World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has officially announced that its flagship show, WWE Friday Night SmackDown, will expand to a three-hour format starting January 3, 2025. This change comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance WWE’s programming on the USA Network, especially with the upcoming transition of WWE Monday Night Raw to Netflix.
Key Takeaways
- WWE SmackDown will extend to three hours beginning January 3, 2025.
- The expansion aims to provide more opportunities for talent and storytelling.
- This change follows WWE’s earlier decision to move Raw to Netflix, which will take effect on January 6, 2025.
- The new format is expected to enhance viewer engagement and advertising revenue for the USA Network.
Expansion Details
The announcement was made on December 20, 2024, confirming that SmackDown will continue to air on the USA Network every Friday night at 8/7 C. The first three-hour episode will be broadcast from Phoenix, Arizona. This move mirrors WWE’s previous decision to extend Raw to three hours, which was also driven by the USA Network’s request to maximize WWE content on its platform.
Implications for WWE Programming
The additional hour of programming is set to significantly impact WWE’s storytelling and talent showcase. Here are some expected benefits:
- Increased Talent Exposure: More wrestlers will have the opportunity to appear on the show, allowing for a broader range of storylines and character development.
- Diverse Match Formats: The extended runtime will enable WWE to introduce innovative match formats and special segments, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Focus on Women’s Division: Following the recent introduction of the Women’s United States Championship, the expansion indicates WWE’s commitment to elevating its women’s division and providing a more inclusive platform for female wrestlers.
The Future of WWE Programming
As WWE transitions its flagship show Raw to Netflix, the company is poised for a significant shift in its programming strategy. While Raw is currently airing in a two-hour format, there is speculation that it may return to three hours in the future. This flexibility could allow WWE to adapt its content to better suit the streaming landscape.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque has hinted at exciting developments for both Raw and SmackDown, promising fans unprecedented content and storytelling as the company embraces new media platforms. The move to Netflix is seen as a pivotal moment for WWE, potentially reaching a wider audience and revitalizing interest in professional wrestling.
Conclusion
The expansion of WWE SmackDown to three hours marks a new era for the promotion, promising fans more action, drama, and entertainment. As WWE continues to evolve in the ever-changing landscape of television and streaming, the upcoming changes are sure to keep fans engaged and excited for what lies ahead in 2025 and beyond.
Sources
- WWE SmackDown Expanding To Three Hours On USA Network – PWMania – Wrestling News, PWMania.
- WWE SmackDown Expanding To Three Hours In 2025, Wrestlezone.
- WWE SmackDown Set To Expand To 3 Hours; Date Announced, ITR Wrestling.
- WWE Announces SmackDown Moving To Three Hours In January, Sports Illustrated.
- WWE Announces SmackDown Moving To Three Hours In January | Yardbarker, Yardbarker.
