WWE SmackDown extends to three hours beginning January 2025

WWE announced SmackDown will expand to three hours starting January 3, 2025, from Phoenix, Arizona. The blue brand will maintain its 8 p.m. ET time slot on USA Network.

“SmackDown continues to air on USA Network every Friday night at 8/7 C in the U.S. At the start of 2025, SmackDown will expand to three hours starting with the Jan. 3 episode from Phoenix, Arizona,” stated WWE through its official website.

This scheduling adjustment comes as WWE prepares for significant programming changes in 2025, including RAW’s move to Netflix. The company has not yet disclosed details regarding RAW’s future runtime following its streaming platform transition.

SmackDown’s expansion marks a departure from its long-running two-hour format, which has been praised for delivering concise storytelling. The three-hour change opens possibilities for extended matches and storyline development.