WWE SmackDown Predicted to See Expansion Into 3 Hour Program

WWE reached a deal with the USA Network for the television rights to SmackDown, signaling the conclusion of the show’s run on FOX. They will start on the USA Network in 2024 to start their five-year contract.

There had been ongoing speculation that SmackDown would transition to a new network when its previous deal ended, while Raw and NXT are anticipated to stay on the USA Network even as their contracts approach expiration. Former Raw general manager Eric Bischoff expressed similar views during Strictly Business.

“That’s kind of where I would lean, and there’s no reason for that really other than my gut,” Eric Bischoff said, as he added that the show has been on the network for a very long time. There is a lot of value in keeping to established television values and brands in a world where streaming and on-demand services are taking over. WWE Raw set a norm for 52 weeks a year, with no off-season. So there is value in “being able to make that statement” as a network, and there is a sense of comfort for advertisers.

Eric Bischoff went on to discuss the idea of making SmackDown a three-hour show on the USA Network. If any network is going to do it, then the USA Network certainly has experience.

“It makes a lot of sense. USA has obviously had a lot of experience with it. They’re very comfortable with it, they’ve been doing it for a long time. I would be surprised if they didn’t, frankly, I’d be shocked.”

We will have to see what WWE does in the future. They have a lot of options on the table. The new USA Network contract will also see them make 40% more this time around.

Eric Bischoff has seen a lot of big moves in the pro wrestling world for decades. It might not surprise him at all to see SmackDown move to a three-hour show either. If anything, it will give SmackDown more picks in the WWE Draft to fill up the time.

What’s your take on WWE making SmackDown a three house show? Sound off in the comments to let us know what you think!