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WWE SmackDown’s Shift Back to a Two-Hour Format
WWE SmackDown will revert to its original two-hour format starting June 2025. Learn about the recent changes, Triple H’s announcement, and key details from the Blue brand’s shift back from three hours.
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WWE SmackDown recently transitioned to a three-hour format, kicking off with its special episode aired from Phoenix, Arizona, but it’s not going to last. The Blue brand is now set to revert to its original two-hour format in June 2025, as revealed by WWE CCO Triple H in an interview. This change comes after much speculation, leaving fans to wonder if the shorter run time will bring back the fast-paced energy that was a hallmark of SmackDown in the past.
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Why Did WWE SmackDown Change Its Format?
The three-hour format made its debut during the first Friday Night SmackDown of 2025, marking a significant shift in WWE’s programming strategy. One of the major moments of this transition was the Money in the Bank cash-in by Tiffany Stratton, who seized her opportunity to dethrone Nia Jax as the WWE Women’s Champion. This change followed successful broadcasts of WWE RAW’s Netflix debut, and while the extended runtime allowed for more content, fans were divided on whether the format improved or diluted the show.
Despite these developments, WWE CCO Triple H shared in a conversation with Pat McAfee that the three-hour format is temporary, and SmackDown will soon revert to two hours. A report by Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics confirmed that June is the target date for this change.
WWE SmackDown: Transition Moments and Future Plans
The transition to a longer runtime brought several key moments in WWE history. The most significant was Tiffany Stratton’s cash-in of her Money in the Bank contract on Nia Jax. The match saw Stratton using her briefcase to take down Jax, securing her first WWE Women’s Championship in an intense showdown.
Here’s a look at how recent WWE events unfolded during this time:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Format Change | January 3, 2025 |
| Location of First 3-Hour SmackDown | Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona |
| Major Highlight | Tiffany Stratton’s MITB cash-in on Nia Jax |
| End of Nia Jax’s Title Reign | Nia Jax’s reign ended 153 days after losing to Stratton |
| WWE CCO’s Announcement | Triple H revealed SmackDown will return to two hours in June 2025 |
While SmackDown has enjoyed the flexibility that comes with an extra hour of programming, the move back to its two-hour format may provide a more streamlined experience, reminiscent of the show’s earlier days. This change could also align with WWE’s broader efforts to keep content engaging, with Triple H hinting that the switch could happen anytime before the mid-year mark.
Fans’ Opinions on the Return to Two Hours
Levesque didn't specify the timing here. I've been informed Smackdown is planned to return to a 2-hour format beginning in June.
WrestleVotes had this first several months ago. https://t.co/AIt93fg5OJ
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) January 6, 2025
WWE fans have expressed mixed feelings about the three-hour format. Some feel that it offers more storyline depth and match time, while others argue that the additional hour slows down the pacing of the show. The upcoming switch in June may provide a return to the punchier, faster-paced episodes that SmackDown was known for before the extension.
While the excitement continues to build for what comes next, one thing is clear—WWE SmackDown’s return to its original format could signal a new direction for the Blue brand, balancing entertainment and storytelling more concisely.
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