The WWE and USA Network are reportedly making a significant change to the runtime of Friday Night SmackDown. According to WrestleVotes, episodes of the Blue Brand will soon return to a three-hour format, marking a shift from the current two-hour schedule. This decision comes as a surprise, as SmackDown had recently reduced its runtime by an hour, ending on July 4th. The changeover is set to occur after the holiday season, with the January 2, 2026, show at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, being the first to air for three hours. This move has sparked debate among fans and critics, with some questioning the necessity of an additional hour of programming on a Friday night. The decision to extend the show's runtime could impact various aspects of the WWE's programming, including the women's mid-card scene and the men's tag team division. The responsibility now lies with Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and his team to utilize the extra hour effectively, showcasing the talents of stars like Giulia, Chelsea Green, Fraxiom, #DIY, MCMG, and The Street Profits. This development comes amidst other exciting wrestling news, such as John Cena's in-ring status for WWE Raw and Aleister Black's rivalry with Damian Priest. The WWE continues to make strategic decisions to engage and entertain its audience, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming changes.
