WWE SmackDown adding a third hour isn’t a done deal just yet.
WrestleVotes Radio first reported that SmackDown will move to three hours starting on January 3rd. However, the plan is to move to two hours in June 2025. USA Network is pushing for the third hour, just like they did with Raw in 2012.
This comes as Raw is returning to a two-hour format starting in October and then to a three-hour format starting in January when they move to Netflix. WWE has yet to announce the news.
While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted WWE is in talks with USA Network about the third hour of SmackDown.
Meltzer said, “It’s not 100%, but it’s certainly in negotiations, and I would say better than 50% that it’s going to happen.”
Bryan Alvarez said, “So by negotiations, you mean they’re attempting to get more money.”
Meltzer said, “Yeah….the original deal was definitely a two-hour show, and now they’re discussing a three-hour show.”
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