Expected Timeline for SmackDown’s Two-Hour Format Return Revealed

WWE SmackDown officially kicked off its extended three-hour format on January 3, 2025, but fans questioning how long this change will last now have some clarity. According to multiple sources, the extra hour is only temporary, with the show expected to return to its standard two-hour runtime later this year.

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Paul “Triple H” Levesque confirmed the temporary nature of the change, stating, “Yes, for right now [it is three hours], and then it switches back to two.” While he didn’t give an exact date, earlier reports from WrestleVotes and PWInsider.com suggest the three-hour format will last until spring or early summer.

A source told PWInsider, “The show will remain three hours at least into the spring, but there was no concrete date as to when it would shift back to two hours.” The source also emphasized that WWE is maintaining flexibility to be a “good partner” to NBCUniversal, indicating the decision is rooted in strengthening their relationship with the network.

The three-hour format has allowed WWE to spotlight underutilized talent like Blair Davenport, but the added hour has also sparked concerns over content fatigue among fans. Whether the experiment succeeds or not, the clock is ticking on this extended format, with WWE poised to shift back to two hours in the near future.

What do you think about WWE SmackDown’s temporary three-hour runtime? Should WWE stick with it long-term or return to two hours as planned? Share your thoughts in the comments below!