Report: WWE Trying To Secure Better TV Deal From USA Network For 3-Hour SmackDown

It was reported in recent days that Friday Night SmackDown would receive an extra hour in the new year, extending the show to a three-hour run time when Monday Night Raw moves to Netflix in January 2025. It has since been noted the change may only be temporary, however, with SmackDown reportedly planned to become a two-hour show once again from June of next year. 

In an update, Dave Meltzer has reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that SmackDown moving to three hours is not 100 per cent but WWE are in talks with USA Network over improved terms should SmackDown become a three-hour series. 

"It's not 100 per cent but it's certainly in negotiations. I would say better than 50 per cent that it's going to happen. Yeah [they're trying to get more money]. The original deal was definitely a two-hour show and now they're discussing a three-hour show," Meltzer said.

SmackDown moved back to USA Network earlier this month after finishing up a five-year run on Fox. SmackDown's current TV deal with USA is worth $1.4 billion. 

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