SmackDown’s two-hour format might not be sticking around for long. WWE only recently trimmed the blue brand back down to its traditional runtime, but the extra hour already appears to be on its way back early next year.
WrestleVotes Radio reports that WWE is planning to expand SmackDown back to three hours beginning in January 2027, with January 8 currently targeted as the return date. If that sounds familiar, it’s because WWE followed almost the exact same pattern this year.
SmackDown ran three hours through the first half of 2026 before reverting to two hours in July. Dave Meltzer previously noted that the expanded format was only expected to last until June 26, lining up with earlier reporting that the third hour was never meant to be permanent. Bryan Alvarez also suggested WWE might be settling into a yearly cycle.
“I was told, when the announcement was made that they were going back to three hours in January, that it probably was going to be the same thing this year—where it would be a three-hour show for the first half or whatever.”
Now it looks like WWE is preparing to do exactly that again. SmackDown is back at two hours and is expected to stay that way through the end of 2026. Then, if plans hold, January 8 will bring the third hour back for 2027.
What isn’t known yet is how long next year’s expanded run will last. WWE could follow the same January‑through‑June schedule, or they could stretch it longer depending on roster depth, storyline demands or network expectations.
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