WWE fans can look forward to an additional hour of weekly programming starting in the new year.
On Friday, the WWE website released an updated guide detailing how to watch Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and premium live events across various regions worldwide.
The section for SmackDown includes the first following description:
“SmackDown continues to air on USA Network every Friday night at 8/7 C in the U.S. At the start of 2025, SmackDown will expand to three hours starting with the Jan. 3 episode from Phoenix, Arizona.”
This marks the first time SmackDown will expand to three hours since its debut in 1999, making it a historic moment for the show.
WWE Raw reverted to a two-hour format in October 2024, over 14 years after it first expanded to three hours in July 2012.
SmackDown expanding to three hours highlights WWE’s strategy to differentiate its flagship shows. This move positions SmackDown as a broader platform for storytelling and talent development, including showcasing the new Women’s United States Championship held by Chelsea Green.
Mixed Reaction to the Change
Reactions on X to SmackDown expanding to three hours have been mixed:
- Some fans see this as a positive change, anticipating more screen time for storylines like the Bloodline, as well as greater opportunities for the women’s division and underutilized talent.
- Others are concerned that the current two-hour format already struggles with consistency, fearing the additional hour may lead to repetitive or diluted content.
- Some also view this as a strategic business move, benefiting WWE and USA Network by increasing advertising opportunities.
Overall, fans are divided between optimism for more in-depth storytelling and skepticism about whether the roster can sustain the added time with compelling content.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest wrestling news ahead of the big changes in store for WWE Raw and SmackDown.
