• New Date For SmackDown’s Return To 2 Hours Revealed
SmackDown is currently airing as a 3-hour show every Friday night on the USA Network, from 8 PM to 11 PM EST. However, that extended format appears to be coming to an end sooner than expected. According to an update from PWInsider, SmackDown will officially return to its traditional 2-hour format beginning Friday, July 4th. This news arrives amid growing speculation that the third hour would be dropped in the near future. That speculation intensified after it was announced that The Rainmaker, a new show based on the John Grisham novel, is set to premiere on the USA Network on Friday, August 15 at 10 PM EST—which currently overlaps with SmackDown’s final hour.
While the USA Network may be pleased with a longer weekly show, reports suggest that many within WWE’s production and creative departments have been unhappy with the 3-hour format. Critics argue that the added hour weakens the pacing, leads to filler content, and puts additional strain on the writing team.
Rather than using the third hour to elevate new talent, it has often been filled with less meaningful segments—drawing comparisons to the same criticisms leveled at RAW since it expanded to three hours in 2012.
Now, with a return to a tighter 2-hour format set for July 4, WWE’s blue brand could regain its focus and energy moving forward.
• Gunther Mocks Goldberg’s Short Matches
On this week’s RAW, Gunther came out and celebrated becoming the World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther said Jey Uso was better than him for just one night and he’s now back to being untouchable. Gunther said he doesn’t care about rumors, as fans chanted for Goldberg. Gunther shifted his attention to Mr. Money In The Bank Seth Rollins. However, Goldberg returned and said Gunther insulted him and his family in Atlanta last year, and he’s going to end this feud in Atlanta on July 12th at Saturday Night’s Main Event for the World Heavyweight Championship, as The Ring General is NEXT.
Gunther mocked Goldberg by writing the following on Instagram: “Im next… guess i can spare 3 minutes.”
TNA star Nic Nemeth (fka Dolph Ziggler in WWE) also mocked Goldberg. He tweeted the following about the return of the legend who squashed him at SummerSlam 2019: “It’s like smelling a smell that takes you back 30 years, to the playground, at recess… Then 30 seconds later; you remember the other 7 hours of the school day.”
• WWE Hall Of Famer Expected To Return After SummerSlam
WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio is gearing up for a comeback this August after being out of action since April due to a torn groin. Konnan has been in touch with Rey and revealed the news on his “Keepin’ It 100” podcast. Mysterio’s injury happened during a six-man tag team match on the April 18th episode of SmackDown, where he teamed with Dragon Lee and Rey Fenix against the American Made faction, consisting of Chad Gable, Julius Creed, and Brutus Creed. The injury forced Mysterio to miss his planned WrestleMania 41 match against El Grande Americano. Rey Fenix filled in for him at the event and lost to Americano.
In addition to the torn groin, Mysterio also dealt with a busted eardrum around the same time. Despite these setbacks, he stayed connected with fans, making a notable appearance at the WWE Worlds Collide event in Los Angeles on June 7, where he opened the show with a speech. Mysterio will likely return after SummerSlam 2025, which will take place on August 2nd and 3rd.
• Goldust Is Retired
When a fan noted on X that he wants the Goldust character to return, Dustin Rhodes replied: “Goldust is retired. Sorry. Happy where I am at.” Another fan tweeted: “I’m glad you are being recognized now as the incredible wrestler you have always been. That character, despite being famous and providing you a great living, overshadowed what you could actually do in the ring. You, sir, are a great wrestler and a true pro.”
Dustin replied: “Thank you. I loved my time as Goldust. He just ran its course. Proud of what I did.” Dustin has been a part of AEW since 2019 and is currently a double champion in ROH (Tag Team Champion and 6-Man Tag Team Champion).
• Mercedes Mone Confirms & Comments On Dating The Beast Mortos
In 2024, TBS Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné divorced WWE costume designer Sarath Ton, also known as Mikaze. On her YouTube channel in August of last year, Mercedes said the following about her divorce: “Tomorrow finally, after a long, long time, I’ll be finally signing my divorce papers. And I’m excited, happy and for me I’m just ready to be free… of not being afraid. Sarath, my ex-husband now, we had such a great relationship, and he’s such an amazing, incredible guy, that I’m so thankful for, he’s another person that changed and saved my life.”
Almost a year later, Mercedes is dating fellow AEW wrestler The Beast Mortos. Mortos posted a photo with Mercedes on his Instagram story, where he wrote: “En tus brazos encuentro paz,” which translates to: “In your arms I find peace.” He also used the song “El amor de su vida,” which translates to: “The love of his life.”
In an update, Mercedes confirmed to TMZ Sports that she is indeed dating Mortos and said the following: “A real beauty and the beast situation.”
LATEST: Mercedes Mone Wins Another Title (Photo)
• Rhea Ripley Calls Out Fans For “Disgusting Behavior”
On RAW, Liv Morgan got injured during a match against Kairi Sane. Sane was announced the winner. Michael Cole announced that Liv suffered a dislocated shoulder. Liv broke her silence since getting injured and tweeted the following:
Dom’s best friend 💕✨ pic.twitter.com/SqZvXINVA4
— LIV Morgan (@YaOnlyLivvOnce) June 17, 2025
After RAW, Rhea Ripley called out those fans who were happy that Liv got injured: “PSA. Don’t celebrate an injury. Disgusting behavior. Don’t be like them.”
