WWE is resetting the clock on SmackDown—but this time, rolling it back from three hours to its classic two-hour format. Starting Friday, July 4, 2025, the Blue Brand will streamline its runtime, a change driven by USA Network’s programming shuffle and fan feedback. Here’s your all-access pass to what this shift means, why it’s happening, and how WWE intends to make those two hours count.
What’s Changing and When
After debuting its extended three-hour format in January 2025, SmackDown is parked at the two-hour mark once again. According to PWInsider, the shift officially takes effect on the July 4 episode, which was taped in Pittsburgh on May 30 right after Monday Night Raw.
This isn’t a last-minute pivot—USA Network is slating a new show, The Rainmaker, to premiere in mid‑August in that third-hour slot . While The Rainmaker debuts August 15, WWE plans to reclaim the two-hour runtime more than a month sooner.
Why WWE Is Cutting SmackDown Back
1. Scheduling Conflicts
The Rainmaker demands the 10 PM ET timeslot on Fridays, nudging SmackDown into a two-hour window so the network can debut the new series on schedule.
2. Filler Fatigue
Fans and critics alike complained that the extra hour diluted the action—blended with ads, promos, and recaps. That drag wasn’t just a UI complaint; it was burning out viewership .
3. Business Strategy
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE likely isn’t raking in revenue from that third hour. If it were adding value, investors would’ve heard about it. That makes it low-hanging fruit for schedule trimming.
How This Affects the Show – A Detailed Look
A shorter show needs slicker storytelling. With less air time, every promo, match, and storyline has to pull its weight. No fluff. No filler.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Category | Three-Hour Era | Two-Hour Era (Post July 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Run Time | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Content Time | ~120 min + ~60 min ads | ~80 min + ~40 min ads |
| Pacing | Risk of slow build-up; filler segments | Tighter storytelling; fewer pauses |
| Storytelling Space | Ample room for mid-card storylines & promos | Focus on key matches; streamlined promos |
| Advertisers | More inventory, but viewers pushing past ads | Less ad time, more impact per ad |
Responses From Fans and Industry
Redditors on r/WWE weighed in right after the announcement:
IconXR said: “General consensus seems to be July 4th now.”
Amzy0121 noted: “Smackdown low-key was great on 2 hour run time. Ever since it became 3 hours… bang average.”
Many expressed relief, hoping the shorter run cut back on stale segments and padding. But some warned about mid-card talent losing spotlight in tighter blocks.
What This Change Means Going Forward
1. Crisper Storytelling:
Every second counts from now on. Expect matches to flow faster, promos to hold more punch, and recaps to be ruthlessly trimmed.
2. Spotlight Competition:
Champions and main-eventers will still shine, but undercard stars may have less weekly exposure unless WWE gets creative.
3. Strategic Scheduling:
USA Network curtails the airtime to plug in The Rainmaker and potentially new WWE primetime specials.
4. Faster Transitions to Streaming:
With Raw freely going two hours when it moved to Netflix, WWE can experiment with runtimes based on platform and audience behavior.
Will This Be Permanent?
It’s smart to assume this move is temporary—but it could stick if numbers hold steady or improve.
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Temporary: Word is the contract for the third hour was interim. With Rainmaker rolling out, SmackDown may stay two hours indefinitely.
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Permanent: If ratings stabilize or rise, WWE will reward the shorter, sharper format. If not, they might revist options (like earlier start times or revamped advertising deals).
How Fans Should Prepare
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Mark July 4 on your calendar: That’s your two-hour SmackDown game night.
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Expect quicker starts: Don’t tune in late or you’ll miss the opening bell.
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Pay attention to mid-card shifts: Follow their airtime and how WWE adjusts story spots.
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Track promos & rematches: If they get more focused air time, it’s by design.
Conclusion
The wind change at SmackDown signals more than a runtime tweak—it’s a strategy overhaul. With two hours, WWE has a chance to sharpen the product, ditch the dead air, and deliver action-packed Fridays again. It’s efficient, direction-focused, and frees up space for new network programming. For fans of crisp wrestling, it could be the reboot SmackDown needed. Time will be the judge—but early signs are promising.