Starting in January 2025, after WWE RAW moves to Netflix, the USA Network will extend SmackDown to a three-hour show, according to WrestleVotes.
This expansion gives SmackDown an additional hour of airtime, bringing it in line with RAW’s format. The decision marks a significant shift for WWE programming on the USA Network, which has been home to RAW for a long time.
In an update from WrestleVotes, SmackDown’s move to a 3-hour format is temporary, with plans to return to the usual 2-hour show in June 2025:
“As of right now, the chatter internally is that is only for 6 months. [3 Hours of SmackDown] is gonna start in January when RAW moves (back) to 3 hours (on Netflix). The plan right now is that 6 months down the road, SmackDown then goes back to 2 hours.”
However, this could change depending on USA Network’s satisfaction with the Friday night ratings.
If the numbers are strong, USA may offer WWE more money to maintain the extra hour. With WrestleMania season starting in January and major stars like The Rock and John Cena returning, the extra hour may be used to pack more into each episode.
Speaking of SmackDown, WWE has announced the following for next week’s episode of the blue brand:
– Bayley vs. Naomi (Winner faces Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship at Bad Blood)
– Part 6: Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes (Andrade leads the series 3-2)
Also, Chelsea Green vs. “Michin” Mia Yim in a Dumpster Match will take place on SmackDown in Nashville in two weeks. This was made official on last night’s show.
Also Read: SmackDown Might Be Available On Netflix In 2025
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