WWE SmackDown Set for Three-Hour Return in 2026 – SmackDown may soon be expanding again, as a new report suggests WWE is preparing to return the blue brand to a three-hour format beginning in early 2026.
According to WrestleVotes, WWE and USA Network have agreed on the change, with the first extended episode expected to take place on January 2 from Buffalo, New York. WWE has not officially confirmed the move.
SmackDown previously ran as a three-hour broadcast from January through June of 2025 before reverting to its traditional two-hour structure. The show currently airs every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network.
More details are expected once WWE formally addresses the reported change.
Speaking of WWE SmackDown, the show returns tonight with a live two-hour broadcast from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The show airs at 8/7c on USA Network in the United States, with international viewers able to watch via Netflix. As the “Last Time Is Now” retirement tour continues to shape WWE programming, this week’s episode features several developments tied directly to John Cena’s final stretch as an active competitor.
WWE has confirmed that Sami Zayn will appear on the show to speak directly to Solo Sikoa. Zayn has not been medically cleared since the attack by The MFTs on the October 17 episode of SmackDown, but he still attempted to confront Sikoa last week. His appearance tonight is expected to further escalate the ongoing issues between both sides as the road to Survivor Series moves forward.
Two more matches in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament will also take place. The tournament will determine who earns the right to face John Cena in the final match of his career, scheduled for December 13 at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event from Washington, D.C. Tonight’s bracket includes The Miz versus Jey Uso, while LA Knight competes against a mystery opponent whose identity has not yet been revealed.
In women’s action, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill is set for non-title competition against B-Fab. Cargill’s dominant run continues to be a major focal point on SmackDown each week, and tonight’s match adds another layer to her growing momentum.
Live coverage begins at 8pm ET on WrestlingAttitude.Com.
WWE SmackDown Set for Three-Hour Return in 2026
Since 2001, WrestlingAttitude is your number one source for WWE wrestling news, rumors and results. Make sure to follow us on social media to get the latest news in real time! We are facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at the following links:
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
