Latest update on WWE SmackDown returning to two-hour format: Reports
(Courtesy : WWE)
The Blue brand transitioned to a three-hour format in 2025
The Stamford-based promotion kicked off the year with a three-hour show of Friday Night SmackDown which aired live from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The first show of the Blue brand set the stage for what’s to come in the year from WWE.
The 01/03 show marked the first three-hour SmackDown, kicking off the Blue brand’s transition to the new format. The Blue brand has continued delivering action-packed three-hour shows and the addition of an extra hour has meant more screen time for upcoming talents and matches.
The last week’s episode of the Blue brand featured six matches along with multiple segments. One of the highlights of the show was the main event title clash between Tiffany Stratton and Bayley. The two stars put on an amazing match utilizing the extra time granted to them due to the three-hour format.
However, it was later revealed that the Blue brand would return to its original two-hour format. WWE CCO Triple H made this announcement during his conversation with Pat McAfee on The Pat McAfee Show.
During the conversation, McAfee mentioned the shift to a three-hour format for both SmackDown and RAW, compared to the previous format. Triple H responded, “Yes, until now, and then it switches back to two.” However, he did not specify when SmackDown would return to its original two-hour format.
Friday Night SmackDown will return to a two-hour format in Summer
According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the Blue brand will move back to its original two-hour format shortly after WrestleMania 41. The 41st edition of the grandest stage is set to take place as a two-night event on April 19 and 20, 2025 at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, USA.
The report suggests that the current three-hour Friday night SmackDown episodes will continue for at least another four months, until around May or June, before potentially reverting to a shorter format.
According to Dave Meltzer, Triple H, and his creative team have more than enough content to keep the show busy until then. The creative team will have to juggle two weekly three-hour shows Raw and SmackDown along with a two-hour weekly show of NXT.
Additionally, they will also handle the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event and the first PLE of 2025 which is Royal Rumble and is set for February 1 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The first 2025 edition of SNME is set for January 25 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Two title fights along with a Heavyweight clash between Jacob Fatu and Braun Strowman is set for the show.
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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.