The WWE’s flagship show, SmackDown, is gearing up for a change in the new year as it prepares to shift back to its original three-hour runtime. While the move may come as a relief to some fans, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray is not one of them. In an exclusive interview, Ray expressed his disappointment with the decision and shed some light on what this means for the show’s content.
A Shift in the Right Direction or a Step Back?
Bully Ray, a veteran of the wrestling world, has been a long-time critic of the WWE’s decision to shorten SmackDown to a two-hour format. When asked about the upcoming change, he was candid about his thoughts. “I’m not going to sugarcoat it, I’m disappointed in the decision to revert back to three hours. I think it’s a step back for the show, and it’s going to make it harder for them to get everything they want to get across.”
Ray’s sentiments are shared by many in the wrestling community, who believe that the two-hour format has allowed for a more streamlined and focused show. However, it seems that the WWE is looking to bring back the original format in an effort to give fans more content and to better compete with AEW’s Dynamite.
The Impact on Storylines and Character Development
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the return to a three-hour format is how it will affect the show’s storylines and character development. With an extra hour on the clock, the WWE will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of the storylines and give fans a more detailed look at the characters.
However, this also means that the show will have to be more careful about pacing and managing the time they have available. According to a WWE insider, “The WWE is planning to use the extra hour to expand on the show’s character development and to give fans a more in-depth look at the storylines. However, this will also mean that they will have to be more strategic about how they use their time, and make sure that they’re not overwhelming the fans with too much information.”
A Boost in Ratings or a Recipe for Disaster?
The return to a three-hour format is also likely to have an impact on the show’s ratings. While some fans may be excited to see more content, others may feel that the show is getting too long and too convoluted.
According to Bully Ray, “I think the WWE is taking a big risk by going back to three hours. They’re going to have to deliver some big matches and some big storylines to keep the fans engaged, and if they don’t, they’re going to see a drop in ratings. The WWE can’t afford to have a drop in ratings, not when they’re competing with AEW and other promotions for viewers.”
The Future of SmackDown
The return to a three-hour format is just one part of the WWE’s larger plans for SmackDown. The show is set to undergo a significant overhaul in the new year, with a new cast of characters and a fresh set of storylines.
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, “The WWE is looking to revamp SmackDown and make it more competitive with AEW. They’re going to be bringing in some new talent and some new storylines, and they’re going to be focusing on giving fans a more in-depth look at the characters and the storylines. It’s going to be a big change, but I think it’s a change that’s necessary.”
Conclusion
While the return to a three-hour format may be a welcome change for some fans, it’s clear that it’s not a decision that everyone is behind. Bully Ray and many others in the wrestling community believe that the two-hour format has been a success, and that reverting back to three hours will only make it harder for the show to deliver.
As the WWE prepares to make this change, it will be interesting to see how it affects the show’s content and ratings. Will the extra hour on the clock be enough to boost the show’s ratings, or will it be a recipe for disaster? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, fans will have to wait and see how the WWE plans to use the extra hour and what changes they have in store for SmackDown. One thing is for sure, however: it’s going to be an exciting ride.