WWE SmackDown’s switch to a three-hour format has caused frustration backstage. With several WWE personnel reportedly disliking the major change that took effect in early 2025.
The new year brought major shifts to WWE, including RAW’s move from television to streaming. On January 6, WWE aired RAW’s first episode on Netflix. However, RAW wasn’t the only show undergoing a transformation.
WWE extended SmackDown’s runtime from two hours to three. Along with these major programming changes, WWE also revamped its commentary teams for RAW, SmackDown, and NXT ahead of their Netflix debuts. The promotion reassigned Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett from RAW to SmackDown.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H announced that the change would be temporary, confirming that SmackDown would return to its two-hour format in June. However, the exact date for the switch back remains unknown. Amid this, recent reports indicate that many backstage strongly oppose the extended runtime. They believe the three-hour format has lowered SmackDown’s overall quality.
Backstage people are reportedly frustrated with three-hour runtime of WWE SmackDown
WrestleVotes Radio Pass Patreon reported that several people within WWE believe SmackDown’s quality has declined since adopting the three-hour format.
The report states, “We are told several within the company strongly dislike the three-hour SmackDown format, as those sources feel like the quality of the show has dipped in the last two months. Prior to the expansion, there was optimism and belief that some underutilized talent would be able to shine, considering the extra hour. However, that has not come to fruition as of yet. SmackDown is still scheduled to return to two hours come this June.” [H/T: wrestlingnews]
While SmackDown is set to return to its original two-hour format, the roster and production team have had to adapt to the three-hour runtime for several months. However, dissatisfaction with the change isn’t limited to those backstage. Many fans online have also voiced their disapproval, arguing that the show’s quality has declined since the shift to three hours.
