SmackDown Might Return To 2-Hour Format Soon As Rainmaker Show Nears USA Network Debut
WWE SmackDown became a 3-hour show in January 2025 but reports say that this format might not last long. The show may return to its old 2-hour format.
WWE launched the new version of SmackDown along with Raw’s debut on Netflix. On January 3, 2025, the first 3-hour episode of SmackDown aired on USA Network in the U.S. and on Netflix for international viewers.
Just a few weeks later, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H said that this change is not permanent. Many trusted sources also confirmed that the 3-hour format was only temporary and that SmackDown could go back to its old 2-hour slot around summer.
Changing to a 3-hour format was a big decision but fans did not like it
SmackDown was always a 2-hour show. When it started in 1999 on UPN, the format stayed the same for many years. When an extra hour was added in 2025, fans thought they would see better stories and more time for new superstars.
But the show became slow. It had too many boring matches and random segments. There was no space left for rising stars and there were more ads than usual. Because of all this, fans started asking for the 2-hour version to return.
A new show called ‘The Rainmaker’ might also be the reason behind this possible change
USA Network recently announced a new show called The Rainmaker. It is based on a novel by John Grisham. It will start on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 10 PM.
SmackDown already airs at 8 PM ET. So many fans believe that the 2-hour slot is being planned so that The Rainmaker can be aired at 10 PM without delay. Some reports earlier said SmackDown might switch back to its old format in June but there is no confirmed date yet.
WWE has not officially confirmed anything yet
WWE has not made any announcement about going back to the 2-hour format. But ever since WWE and UFC merged, SmackDown has aired early a few times to avoid timing issues with UFC events.
So there is a chance that SmackDown will return to 2 hours or it might just move to an earlier start time. Both options are possible.
The Rainmaker show is about Rudy Baylor, a law school graduate who loses his job on the first day and ends up working for a dishonest lawyer. This show is a legal drama and USA Network wants to air it during prime time.
SmackDown’s 3-hour format may not stay for long. Looking at the fan response, slow show speed and the upcoming Rainmaker show, WWE might bring back the older 2-hour version of SmackDown which fans are more comfortable with.
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