WWE Confirms Upcoming Change To SmackDown

The status of the length of WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown has been something that has received contradicting reports ever since the start of 2025. The blue brand moved to three hours in length as on the January 3 episode earlier this year, with the initial expectation being that this was a temporary move, with reports suggesting it would return to two hours in June. 

However, June hit and SmackDown remained a three hour show, with it being reported that the USA Network were looking to keep the show longer due to their happiness with the show’s numbers whilst being a three-hour broadcast. However, following the USA Network’s announcement of The Rainmaker series, starting on August 15 at 10pm ET, it was clear that SmackDown’s time as a three-hour broadcast was soon to be over.

On last night’s episode of SmackDown, Michael Cole revealed officially that next week’s show would see the event move back to two hours in length. Back in February, there was talk of discontent from those in WWE over the extended length of SmackDown, with preference surrounding the shorter length.

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