WrestleVotes reports that WWE SmackDown will continue as a three-hour broadcast on the USA Network for the “foreseeable future,” a change from earlier plans.
This decision is reportedly driven by the USA Network’s satisfaction with the show’s performance in the extended format. According to WrestleVotes on SportsKeeda’s WrestleVotes Radio:
“According to sources, the plans for SmackDown show length on USA Network changed back in January. WWE and USA agreed that the May 30 show would be the final three-hour presentation, with the show reverting back to two hours on the June 6 edition. We are told the show will remain three hours for the foreseeable future, as USA Network was steadfast on keeping it that length. Aources say USA has been happy overall with the performance of the show, numbers-wise, with the extra third hour.”
While SmackDown will remain three hours for now, discussions about its length are ongoing. WrestleVotes added, Discussions on if the show will revert back to two hours are currently ongoing with an idea that it could happen when the overall new television. Season starts in late September for all the networks.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit WrestleVotes Radio on SportsKeeda’s Backstage Pass Patreon with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
