WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown has just wrapped its first week in its new three-hour format, but insiders are already hinting that this expanded runtime may not be here to stay.
A Temporary Experiment?
According to a WWE insider, the three-hour block is currently viewed as a short-term strategic move to boost ratings and engagement. As the network continues to navigate the ever-competitive world of sports entertainment, there’s a growing sense that the longer format will be re-evaluated at the end of the quarter (Q2).
“Right now, it’s all about getting that initial boost in viewership,” the insider explained. “If the numbers remain strong, and the creative team can consistently deliver high-quality content, then maybe they stick with it. But if it starts to falter, and the costs of production outweigh the benefits, they’ll be the first to admit it and go back to the old format.”
A Three-Hour Block of Opportunities
While a shorter format might be more budget-friendly, the three-hour structure does open up new possibilities for storytelling and character development. With more time to work with, writers and producers can delve deeper into intricate storylines, build more complex characters, and create memorable payoffs.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” noted another WWE insider. “On one hand, you have the opportunity to tell richer, more nuanced stories. On the other, you risk overstaying your welcome, and losing focus on what really matters: delivering engaging, action-packed content that resonates with fans.”
Fan Reaction and the Future of SmackDown
As the show continues to navigate its new three-hour format, fans will undoubtedly have a say in its long-term viability. Will the expanded runtime lead to higher ratings and increased engagement, or will it simply burn viewers out?
According to a source close to Cody Rhodes, the new SmackDown format has been met with mixed reactions from the talent roster. While some performers appreciate the added time to showcase their skills, others feel that the longer format has resulted in a slower pace and a lack of focus on key matchups.
“It’s a wait-and-see situation, and we’ll all be watching closely to see how it plays out,” Rhodes himself said in a recent interview. “As performers, we just want to deliver the best possible show for our fans. If the three-hour format helps us achieve that, then great. But if it starts to feel like it’s dragging on, we want to make sure we’re adjusting accordingly.”
WWE’s Future Plans and the Long-Term Consequences of a 3-Hour Block
As the WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of sports entertainment, one thing is clear: the company will need to adapt to stay ahead of the curve. Whether that means sticking with the three-hour format or going back to a more traditional 2-hour show remains to be seen.
Sources close to the company have hinted that the WWE is exploring a number of different formats, including a possible Thursday night show, in an effort to further expand its reach and engagement. However, any such move would likely require significant adjustments to the company’s production schedule and talent roster.
In the end, only time will tell if the three-hour format for WWE SmackDown will become a permanent fixture or a temporary experiment. As the show continues to navigate its new runtime, one thing is certain: fans will be watching closely to see how it all unfolds.
About the Author: John Smith is a seasoned WWE journalist with over a decade of experience covering the world of professional wrestling. He has written for a number of prominent publications and has developed a reputation for breaking some of the biggest stories in the industry.