Update on SmackDown Moving Back to Two Hours

WWE’s experiment with a three-hour *Friday Night SmackDown* is reportedly coming to an end as the blue brand prepares to revert to its traditional two-hour format. According to multiple reports from *BodySlam+* and the *Wrestling Observer*, the shift is expected to take place in the coming weeks, likely by the end of June or the first week of July. The current three-hour block, which began on January 2, 2026, was a structured arrangement with the USA Network that appears to be part of a larger, recurring strategy for the next several years.

The decision to scale back the runtime is primarily driven by the USA Network’s programming needs rather than a creative choice by WWE. The network reportedly has other content slated for the 10 PM ET time slot, including the second season of Everything on the Menu starring former WWE Superstar Braun Strowman. This follows a similar pattern seen in 2025, where SmackDown operated at three hours for the first half of the year before trimming back down to two hours for the summer and fall seasons.

Backstage, the impending format change has already had significant ripple effects on the roster. Analysts suggest that the massive wave of talent cuts on April 24—which saw 25 wrestlers released, including 14 who primarily performed on the blue brand—was executed with the reduced runtime in mind. With one less hour of television to fill every week, the creative team reportedly felt the need to streamline the roster to ensure top stars remained the focal point of the two-hour broadcast.

While the shorter runtime is often welcomed by fans who find the three-hour format difficult to digest, it presents a recurring logistical challenge for WWE creative. Under the current four-year deal with USA, the show is expected to fluctuate annually: expanding to three hours from January to June to boost winter advertising revenue, and then retreating to two hours for the latter half of the year. For now, the WWE Universe should prepare for a leaner, faster-paced *SmackDown* as the road to SummerSlam begins.