WWE SmackDown to Stay 3 Hours on USA Network — Format Change Delayed Indefinitely
WWE fans hoping for a return to the classic two-hour SmackDown format may be out of luck.
According to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE's agreement with USA Network has taken a new turn. The blue brand, which expanded to a 3-hour runtime earlier this year, was originally expected to cut back to 2 hours after May 30th. However, that plan has now changed.USA Network Is Happy With Ratings
Insiders reveal that USA Network is pleased with the performance of SmackDown’s third hour, especially in terms of advertising revenue and viewership retention. As a result, the current 3-hour format is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
While there are still internal discussions about reverting back to 2 hours, any such change is unlikely before the new TV season kicks off in September 2025.
WWE Creative Team Faces Challenges
Despite USA’s satisfaction, not everyone is on board. Members of WWE’s production and creative departments believe the extended format has led to several issues, including:
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🐌 Slower pacing
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🧱 Excessive filler segments
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🧠 Creative fatigue and burnout
Rather than using the third hour to highlight rising superstars, many backstage feel that the time is filled with segments that lack importance, echoing long-standing criticism of Monday Night RAW’s 3-hour format since 2012.
Business Over Booking?
The decision appears to be driven by revenue and network satisfaction rather than storytelling or fan experience. SmackDown's third hour is a lucrative advertising window, and the ratings have remained stable, which is why USA Network is hesitant to scale back.
What's Next?
Unless there’s a significant ratings decline or creative backlash that USA can’t ignore, it looks like Friday Night SmackDown will stay three hours for the long term.
Fans may have to wait until late September 2025 — and even then, a return to two hours isn’t guaranteed.
What Do You Think?
Are you enjoying 3-hour SmackDown episodes, or do you miss the tighter 2-hour format? Is WWE prioritizing profits over storytelling?
🗨️ Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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