WWE SmackDown is officially poised to revert to a three-hour show format beginning with the January 2, 2026 episode, held at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. This marks a significant scheduling shift after the blue brand operated as a two-hour program for the latter half of 2025, following a six-month stint as a three-hour show earlier this year[1][2][3].
Background: SmackDown’s Runtime Fluctuations in 2025
At the start of 2025, SmackDown aired as a three-hour show on the USA Network, but the final hour was cut starting from July 4, 2025, coinciding with other USA Network programming changes — notably the introduction of the new show The Rainmaker which occupied airtime on Fridays[1][2][3]. WWE executives initially intimated the three-hour format was subject to change depending on broader network scheduling and strategic considerations.
Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, referenced these runtime shifts during the All In business summit in September, describing SmackDown’s schedule as fluctuating between two-hour and three-hour blocks. He reinforced WWE’s philosophy of delivering year-round live content across multiple platforms, including Netflix’s Raw, CW’s Tuesday programming, and USA Network’s Friday slot, with occasional extensions for premium live events and special broadcasts[1].
Why the Return to Three Hours Now?
The reported decision between WWE and USA Network to re-expand SmackDown to three hours for 2026 appears to coincide with several strategic factors:
Road to WrestleMania Ramp-up: The extension aligns with the buildup to major early-year events like the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026, which traditionally drives higher TV ratings and fan interest[2].
Content and Talent Utilization: Industry insiders suggest WWE aims to capitalize on its deep roster and robust storylines by increasing available airtime. A backstage source shared, “There’s a sizable talent pool hungry for exposure—expanding SmackDown gives the creative team flexibility to organically develop characters and longer feuds without cramming everything into two hours.”[3]
Revenue Opportunities: More airtime not only fills programming gaps but also opens additional advertising slots, potentially enhancing WWE’s revenue on the USA Network partnership, especially important after shifts in TV measurement systems recently impacted viewership data[2].
Despite no official public confirmation from WWE or the USA Network as of mid-November 2025, industry observers regard this change as highly probable based on multiple credible reports from insider accounts like WrestleVotes[1][2][3].
Impact on WWE Programming and Fans
The return to a three-hour format has sparked divided opinions within the wrestling community:
| Supporters | Critics |
|---|---|
| More airtime for mid-card talent | Concerns about viewer fatigue |
| Better storytelling opportunities | Potential dilution of show quality |
| Enhanced promotion of women’s and tag team divisions | Risk of lower sustained ratings for longer broadcasts |
Wrestling journalist voices highlight the organizational challenge inherent in making three hours compelling every week. However, the talent depth on both the men’s and women’s sides provides a solid foundation for the extended show. Tag teams such as #DIY, The Street Profits, and new women’s stars like Giulia are expected to receive increased spotlight time with the expansion[3].
Venue and Opening Episode Details
The first SmackDown to feature the renewed three-hour slot will take place on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY[1][2]. This live broadcast is situated strategically just after the New Year holidays to generate momentum heading into WWE’s big annual events.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026
With the runtime change coinciding with the official Road to WrestleMania season, WWE likely aims to leverage the extra hour to boost ratings and prepare fans for a stacked calendar. Behind the scenes, WWE’s creative team led by Triple H faces pressure to deliver consistently high-quality content to justify the longer show.
According to a source close to WWE creative, “The bonus hour is both an opportunity and a test. We have the talent and the stories, but it requires smart pacing and fresh concepts to keep fans engaged three hours in.” This strategy could mean more segmented programming, new match types, and enhanced cross-brand integration between Raw and SmackDown.
Conclusion
The return to a three-hour SmackDown starting January 2026 represents a notable shift intending to maximize WWE’s content output, spotlight a greater number of wrestlers, and capitalize on the lucrative early-year event cycle. While the move comes with inherent risks around show pacing and viewership stamina, it underscores WWE’s commitment to delivering expansive live entertainment across its long-standing partnership with the USA Network.
As the new year approaches, wrestling fans and analysts will closely watch how WWE adapts its blue brand format and whether this extended airtime elevates the overall SmackDown product.