Update on WWE SmackDown Expanding to a 3-Hour Show – Reports continue to suggest that SmackDown will transition to a three-hour format in January 2025, but WWE has yet to officially confirm the change. This shift would align with the company’s programming overhaul, coinciding with Monday Night RAW returning to a three-hour format when it moves to Netflix in January.
The move to expand SmackDown comes shortly after RAW reverted to two hours in October 2024 during its final months on the USA Network. This adjustment bridged the gap between WWE’s current broadcast deal and its new Netflix agreement, which takes effect in January 2025. WWE secured an extension with USA Network to keep RAW on air until the Netflix transition.
During an episode of WrestleVotes Radio, it was reported that while plans are in motion for SmackDown to extend its runtime to three hours, the exact timing is unclear.
“We did mention here on WrestleVotes Radio in the past, SmackDown will be moving to three hours. However, we are told that isn’t a guarantee to be starting the same week as Raw moves to Netflix. Now, we’re hearing the plan is still to extend SmackDown to three hours this coming January. However, it is to be determined if it will go down the first week of 2025 when Raw shifts or later on in the month.”
If SmackDown transitions to three hours, it would mirror WWE’s programming approach from 2012 when RAW first expanded to its three-hour format. While the additional hour provides opportunities to showcase more talent and storylines, fans and critics have previously raised concerns about pacing and overexposure with extended formats.
WWE is expected to clarify its plans soon, particularly as the January 2025 schedule overhaul approaches. Stay tuned for updates on WrestlingAttitude.Com as more details emerge.
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Update on WWE SmackDown Expanding to a 3-Hour Show
