Possible spoiler on WWE SmackDown returning to two-hour format

(Courtesy : WWE)
The Blue brand transitioned to a three-hour format in January!
Along with the Raw Netflix debut, Friday Night SmackDown transitioned into a three-hour format with their first show in 2025 on January 3. The January 3 show aired on USA Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally
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 to the three-hour format came after more than two decades of a two-hour format for the brand since its debut on 1999 TV on United Paramount Network (UPN). Fans hoped that the extra hour would mean the promotion diving deeper into feuds and storylines, with rising talents also getting screen time.
However, SmackDown has 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 has increased. Many fans have demanded that the Blue brand’s show revert to its original two-hour format.
The Rainmaker season 1 will premiere on Friday, August 15
The USA Network, which is the home of SmackDown, recently released the trailer for a new show named The Rainmaker, which is based on the John Grisham novel, and is set to premiere on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 10 PM ET.
The Blue brand’s show airs at 8 PM ET, and the Rainmaker’s timing of 10 PM has led many fans to believe that SmackDown will revert to the two-hour format to accommodate the new programming. Earlier reports have suggested that the show might revert to its original format in June, but noted that it’s not a confirmed date.
WWE has not made any official announcement as to when the show will revert to the two-hour format. The promotion has run shows earlier than usual to accommodate UFC shows since the merger of the two companies. There is a possibility of SmackDown moving to an earlier time slot instead of cutting the extra hour.
The new show centers on Rudy Baylor, a recent law school graduate who ends up working for a shady lawyer after losing his position at a respected firm on his very first day.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.

Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.
- WWE Rumor Roundup: Travis Scott update, WWE responds to Goldberg's claims, SummerSlam, Charles Robinson & more (July 16, 2025)
- OTC1 was reportedly Roman Reigns' idea, major plans cancelled for WWE SummerSlam
- Paul Heyman vows to 'nuke' Roman Reigns' island of relevancy following his WWE return
- WWE star Brock Lesnar's daughter, Mya Lesnar makes her relationship official with NFL star Drew Moss
- OPINION: Why CM Punk will beat Gunther at WWE SummerSlam 2025 especially after Seth Rollins' injury?
- Top five possible opponents for CM Punk at WWE SummerSlam 2025
- WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event: Complete list of editions, venues, main events & winners
- Top five WWE couples with huge age gaps
- Top 10 youngest superstars to main event WWE WrestleMania
- Roman Reigns vs John Cena: Who is richest WWE Superstar in 2025?