WWE Raw is set to return to its three-hour format after temporarily reverting to two hours since October 7. The transition marks a return to the structure introduced in 2012, with the January 6 episode kicking off this change.
Raw’s upcoming run on Netflix will also follow the three-hour format. Dave Meltzer reports, “While everyone expects this, it was confirmed by someone who is a key player in WWE that Raw will be three hours come January to go along with SmackDown being three hours.”
This adjustment aligns with WWE’s ongoing partnership with the USA Network, which secured Raw’s broadcast rights through December 30. The two-hour format was adopted to bridge the gap between the conclusion of the USA deal in October and the Netflix premiere.
The January 6 episode is already generating excitement, featuring marquee matchups such as CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa, and Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defending her title against Rhea Ripley. Additional matches and star appearances are expected to be announced soon.
SmackDown, which has also been a two-hour program, will transition to a three-hour format starting January 3.
