Major update on WWE SmackDown runtime change: Report

The show transitioned into a three-hour format in January 2025!

Ahead of tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, a new update has emerged regarding the Blue Brand’s run-time change and when it could potentially take effect. The show, along with Monday Night Raw, ushered in 2025 with a three-hour format.

The first show of SmackDown to air in the three-hour format in January was the 01/03 show, which aired on USA Network in the United States and Netflix internationally, barring a few which had long-standing broadcasting deals.

However, WWE CCO Triple H, along with multiple reports, quickly suggested that the transition is temporary and the Blue brand will revert back to its original two-hour run-time in summer. The transition was also not received well by fans as it fell short of expectations.

Fans hoped that the extra hour would mean the promotion diving deeper into feuds and storylines, with rising talents also getting screen time. However, the show suffered from pacing and multiple filler matches and segments, which left fans frustrated. Rising talents also didn’t get much screen time, and the frequency of ads increased.

SmackDown will potentially revert back to two hours in June

According to Dave Meltzer, the Stamford-based promotion has been discussing shortening SmackDown, with the change possibly taking effect as early as June 2025.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer noted that while June 6 isn’t a confirmed date, it has been mentioned in discussions.

“There has been talk that SmackDown goes back to two hours on (June 6), but that is not a hard date.

It was expected at the end of May would be the move back. Company sources say the date isn’t etched in stone but they expected it will be finalized this week.”

Tonight’s (May 02) episode of the Blue brand is set to emanate live from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. The show will continue the build towards the Backlash PLE, likely announcing more matches for the show on May 10th.

A singles clash between Aleister Black and The Miz has been announced for the show, along with an appearance from Randy Orton, as he prepares for the title clash against Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena.

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