WWE Talent Frustrated Over Two-Hour RAW Format

The WWE roster isn’t thrilled with recent programming changes, particularly the two-hour format for Monday Night RAW. While WWE made headlines this week by announcing SmackDown will expand to three hours starting January 3, 2025, frustrations are mounting behind the scenes over RAW’s limited airtime.

Sean Ross Sapp revealed on the latest Fightful Select Q&A audio that several WWE talents have expressed disappointment about the switch to two-hour RAW episodes. “A lot of people have been jockeying to get on RAW because of the Netflix situation,” Sapp explained. “I have spoken to talent since the move back to two-hour RAWs that had voiced some frustrations about not being able to get on TV. But as of today, talent have not been told the length of WWE RAW.”

The shortened RAW format was introduced as part of WWE’s transition to Netflix in 2025, leaving some superstars scrambling for opportunities to showcase their skills. The timing of the complaints is interesting, as WWE simultaneously gears up for SmackDown’s three-hour debut.

While fans are divided over whether more SmackDown content will dilute its quality or enrich the product, the backstage sentiment over RAW’s reduced length reflects a stark contrast. Wrestlers are now left wondering how they’ll get the screen time needed to make an impact.

With SmackDown kicking off its expanded runtime from Phoenix, Arizona, on January 3, and RAW’s format still under speculation, WWE’s programming shakeup is already creating waves both in and out of the ring.

What do you think about RAW’s two-hour runtime versus SmackDown’s expansion to three hours? Does it create a better balance for fans or leave talent fighting for their moment in the spotlight? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!