WWE Confirms SmackDown Is Going Three Hours
All the details on WWE adding an extra hour to SmackDown starting early-2025.
WWE SmackDown is officially expanding from two to three hours starting with the 3 January 2025 episode. This marks a shift in how the blue brand will be presented on TV, and will bring it in line with flagship show Raw once that returns to a three-hour format following the 6 January Netflix debut.
The company confirmed this news with an article on their official website clueing fans in on exactly when and where they can watch programming like Raw, SmackDown, NXT and upcoming PLE events. SmackDown's show in Phoenix, Arizona on 3 January was circled as a three hour special, but that'll be the norm for Friday nights going forwards.
It'd be understandable if some fans had their reservations about this. On the whole, Triple H did a solid job with Raw's polarising three hour run time after taking the helm from Vince McMahon. Some of McMahon's episodes during his final few years in charge were interminable; many thought portions of each one bordered on unwatchable.
Hunter's firm grasp on simple storytelling and willingness to let lengthy matches breathe helped there, but some will still be worried by SmackDown going three hours. The blue side has a general zip to it that's only been matched by Raw's recent drop to two hours pre-Netflix jump.
Will that change with the extra hour, or will WWE find a way to refocus and keep SmackDown on par with obvious 'A' show Raw? It'll be interesting to find out the answer to that question in the months ahead.
27 December 2024 Will Mark Final Two Hour Broadcast
The 27 December 2024 show in Tampa, Florida will be the last of this current two hour model. After that, Triple H's creative team will have to deal with an extra hour of television time on their weekly schedules. Can they handle that? Most likely, but again...Raw on Netflix will be the priority, so everyone will be hoping SmackDown doesn't suffer by being a clear second in command that ends up diluted by becoming a marathon more than a sprint.
WWE has been touting their new "Transfer Window" idea as a means to shake up rosters across both major brands. Realistically, it remains to be seen whether or not this will be another false flag operation. The core Draft in April was supposed to lock in ironclad roster sheets for Raw and SmackDown, but wrestlers have darted between those brands with increasing regularity since summer.
Fingers crossed Trips understands the assignment here. Going three hours with SmackDown is a calculated risk, especially with the spotlight and star power Netflix will demand over on Raw.