WWE and USA Network have made a significant decision regarding the format of SmackDown, with the blue brand set to expand back to a three-hour program beginning in 2026. According to multiple industry sources, the shift will commence with the January 2nd episode of SmackDown, which will be broadcast live from Buffalo, New York’s KeyBank Center.[1]
The announcement comes after months of speculation surrounding the show’s runtime following its tumultuous three-hour experiment earlier this year. While the decision represents a major programming change for one of WWE’s flagship shows, backstage reactions have reportedly been mixed, with some within the company expressing reservations about the extended format.
The Three-Hour Journey: A Brief History of 2025
WWE initially transitioned SmackDown to a three-hour format beginning on January 3rd, 2025. At the time, the move was presented as a strategic partnership between WWE and USA Network to maximize viewership and create a more robust programming block on Friday evenings. However, the reception was far from unanimous within WWE’s offices.
By February 2025, reports emerged indicating that internal WWE personnel “strongly dislike the three-hour SmackDown format,” according to sources who spoke with WrestleVotes Radio.[1] Despite these reservations, the company maintained the extended runtime through the first half of the year, continuing to produce three hours of content weekly.
The sentiment didn’t translate into sustained viewership gains, and by summer 2025, WWE made the decision to reduce SmackDown back to its traditional two-hour format.[1] The move was seen as a correction to what many considered an experimental period that ultimately didn’t resonate with audiences or those working behind the scenes.
Why the Format is Returning Now
The decision to bring back the three-hour format represents a significant reversal from WWE’s midyear pivot. According to sources close to the situation, USA Network pushed for the extended format once again as part of its broader programming strategy. “The USA Network sees value in the three-hour block for their Friday night lineup and believes the timing is right to reintroduce the format with a fresh start in the new year,” a WWE insider revealed to wrestling journalists.
This sentiment suggests that the reasoning behind the return isn’t solely creatively motivated but rather rooted in network scheduling and viewership projections heading into 2026. With WrestleMania season approaching and the Road to WrestleMania tour ramping up, WWE may be positioned to better utilize the extended runtime for major storyline developments and title program buildups.
The Buffalo Launch and Road to WrestleMania
The choice to debut the three-hour format from Buffalo is particularly significant. WWE has announced an extensive Road to WrestleMania tour for 2026 with 11 new live event dates across North America.[4] Starting with SmackDown in Buffalo on January 2nd, the company is clearly positioning the beginning of the year as a major launching pad for programming leading into WrestleMania season.
Buffalo, home to the iconic KeyBank Center, has historically been a strong market for WWE events. The city’s wrestling fanbase is known for being vocal and engaged, making it an ideal location to introduce a major programming format change. The decision to start the three-hour run from Buffalo rather than a smaller market demonstrates WWE’s confidence in the move.
What the Extended Format Means for SmackDown Programming
The return to three hours will fundamentally alter how WWE structures SmackDown episodes. With an additional sixty minutes of television time, creative has more flexibility to develop storylines, feature multiple matches on the card, and give more performers meaningful television time. This could particularly benefit mid-card talents who struggled to secure regular slots during the two-hour run.
Previously, when SmackDown operated as a three-hour show, producers had complained about the challenges of filling airtime consistently while maintaining quality storytelling. However, with proper planning and the creative developments expected heading into WrestleMania 42, the extended format may be better received by both creatives and audiences.
Industry Reaction and Fan Response
The announcement has already generated considerable discussion within wrestling media and among the fanbase. While some view the return as a positive—allowing for more wrestling content and deeper storytelling—others remain skeptical based on the reception to the format earlier in 2025.
“The key difference this time is proper planning and creative direction,” one wrestling journalist familiar with WWE’s thinking explained. “Rather than the somewhat rushed rollout we saw in January, this will be introduced with a full creative calendar and strategic booking heading into the biggest season of the year.”
Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media, with longtime SmackDown supporters optimistic about increased match time while others worry about extended segments and filler content.
What This Means for USA Network’s Friday Night Schedule
The expansion of SmackDown to three hours also has implications for USA Network’s broader programming lineup. Earlier in the year, the network’s new legal drama series “The Rainmaker” was set to air in the 10 p.m. time slot, which would have cut into SmackDown’s third hour.[3] The decision to reinstate the three-hour format suggests either a change in that series’ scheduling or a strategic decision to prioritize WWE programming.
This speaks to the value USA Network places on WWE content following their five-year deal that brought SmackDown back to the network in October 2024. The investment in extended programming time indicates confidence that the format will drive viewership numbers and advertising revenue.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As WWE prepares for 2026, the return of the three-hour SmackDown format marks another significant chapter in the company’s ongoing evolution. With January 2nd serving as the official launch date from Buffalo, fans can expect enhanced programming, expanded rosters appearances, and creative opportunities that the two-hour format couldn’t accommodate.
The success of this return will likely determine whether the format remains permanent or if WWE once again experiments with alternatives. However, based on the collaborative decision between WWE and USA Network, expect this extended runtime to stick around at least through WrestleMania season and potentially beyond.
Tune in on January 2nd, 2026, for the debut of the new three-hour SmackDown era.