
Backstage Update On When WWE SmackDown Will Return To Two-Hour Format
Dave Meltzer has provided new information regarding WWE SmackDown's planned transition to a two-hour format. According to the update, the change is expected to occur in June.
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Dave Meltzer has provided new information regarding WWE SmackDown's planned transition to a two-hour format. According to the update, the change is expected to occur in June.

Braun Strowman discussed the ongoing emotional impact of losing his former Wyatt Family teammates Bray Wyatt and Brody Lee during an interview with Rewind Recap Relive. Strowman explained that The Wyatt Family developed a real bond beyond their on-screen personas through constant travel and shared experiences, describing their connection as feeling like family. He revealed that he has a tattoo to honor their memory and stated that dealing with their deaths is "one of those pills that I have to constantly swallow" years later.

CM Punk was involved in a second fan altercation during WWE WrestleMania 42 weekend, according to TMZ Sports. The incident reportedly occurred following earlier reports about a lack of security during the weekend.

WWE NXT's Elio LeFleur has called for a match against AAA Latin American Champion El Hijo Del Dr Wagner Jr. LeFleur, who is currently injured, sent a message to the champion asking him to keep the title until his return.

Braun Strowman claimed his feud with Roman Reigns from 2017-2020 was "as good or f***** better" than any feud in wrestling history during an appearance on the Rewind Recap Relive podcast. Strowman highlighted the extreme destruction both wrestlers inflicted on each other, including ambulance spots and high-impact attacks, stating they "literally pretty much committed murder on each other at least three times apiece throughout that feud."

WWE stars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford have released the first episode of their pregnancy vlog series. The vlog chronicles their journey through Belair's pregnancy.

A former WWE NXT Heritage Cup Champion claims that AJ Styles is now serving as his personal one-on-one coach at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The NXT star stated that he is being personally trained by Styles at the facility.

Cody Rhodes told ESPN that a match against CM Punk would be "very hard to put together" despite considering it his dream match. Rhodes explained that today's wrestling landscape is more complicated with multiple collaborators involved, and noted that both wrestlers would need to be fully committed to making the match happen.

Talla Tonga was absent from a recent episode of WWE SmackDown due to being in concussion protocol. The reason for his absence has been confirmed.

WWE was considering a match between Stephanie Vaquer and Liv Morgan for the Backlash event on May 9 in Tampa before Vaquer suffered a legitimate second-degree AC joint sprain injury. According to Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the match was never officially announced but was in internal discussions for the card before Vaquer's injury forced WWE to change direction. Vaquer was written off WWE TV during the April 27 episode of RAW and remains sidelined with no confirmed return date, though SummerSlam has been mentioned as a possible target.

WWE SmackDown will return to a two-hour format in June, earlier than previously reported, with the May 29 episode being the final three-hour show. The third hour time slot will initially be filled by the second season of "Everything On The Menu" featuring Braun Strowman, Mark Henry, and Alexa Bliss, followed by another show for approximately three months. According to the current deal with USA Network, SmackDown will run three hours for six months per year and two hours for the remaining six months.

Dexter Lumis and every member of the Wyatt Sicks were released from WWE one week ago. Lumis has posted a video showing off a transformation that features a TNA star.