WWE SmackDown's three-hour format may not end anytime soon

SmackDown has been full of surprises in 2025, not just in the ring, but also in how long the show runs. Fans were told earlier this year that WWE SmackDown would only be three hours for a short time. But now, things are looking very different. New reports say the blue brand might not go back to two hours anytime soon.

When WWE made SmackDown three hours long at the start of the year, many thought it was just for a few months. Even Triple H said it was only a “temporary” change. But now, with June getting closer, the show is still listed as a three-hour broadcast. This has made fans wonder if this is the new normal for SmackDown?


Mixed signals about the running time of the Blue brand
Back in September 2024, reports from WrestleVotes said SmackDown would return to two hours by June. More recently, in April 2025, they repeated that the June 6 episode would be the one to switch it back. Wrestling expert Dave Meltzer also said the same thing.


But now, a new update from PWInsider has changed the situation. Their report says the USA Network , where SmackDown usually airs, has listed the show as three hours long during the first weeks of June. This means WWE might not cut the extra hour as soon as fans hoped.

Smackdown continues to be 3 hours. @TheSLBofficial #wwe #smackdown #wrestling #prowrestling #wrestlingtiktok #shorts #fyp pic.twitter.com/qijxaRb0Rs

— Above The Ring (@AboveTheRing) May 22, 2025

This has brought a lot of mixed feelings. Some fans like the longer show because it gives more time for matches and storylines. Others feel three hours is too long, especially on a Friday night. Some worry it could lead to filler content and slower pacing, like what sometimes happens on Monday Night RAW.


Big matches still planned for May 23 SmackDown

Even with the confusion in format, WWE is going strong with the weekly match cards. The May 23 episode of SmackDown will take place live from the EnMarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia. It will be the final show before Saturday Night’s Main Event, and WWE has announced some big matches.


The updated match card includes:

• Aleister Black vs. LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
• Giulia vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Zelina Vega
• The Street Profits vs. Fraxiom

These matches show that WWE is using the extra hour to build up excitement and push major storylines forward. Fans watching this week can expect plenty of action and surprises.

So far, WWE has not made any official announcement about keeping the three-hour format . Things could still change. But the internal schedules at USA Network say SmackDown might be three hours for at least the first part of June. For now, fans can enjoy longer shows while waiting to see what WWE decides next. Whether it’s two or three hours, SmackDown still brings good energy to every episode.


Also Read: WWE SmackDown preview and streaming details (05/16/25): Full match card, confirmed segments, how to watch, start timings and more