WWE SmackDown’s Three-Hour Format Is Only Temporary

WWE SmackDown has officially transitioned to a three-hour format, starting with its January 3, 2025, episode. However, fans wondering if this change is here to stay can breathe a sigh of relief—it’s only temporary. According earlier reports, the plan is for SmackDown to stick with the extended runtime until June 2025, after which it will return to its usual two-hour length.

Triple H addressed the move during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. When asked about the format change, he confirmed, “Yes, for right now (it is three hours), and then it switches back to two.”

The extra hour allows WWE to showcase more underutilized talent, with stars like Blair Davenport reportedly in line for more screen time. Davenport, who joined SmackDown last year, hasn’t had much television exposure since her last match in November, but this new format could change that.

While some fans are concerned about content fatigue, WWE’s temporary move to three hours aims to emphasize storytelling and give overlooked wrestlers a platform. The decision to revert back to two hours later this year reflects WWE’s ongoing effort to balance fan engagement with content delivery.