WWE SmackDown: 2-Hour Show Returns July 2024
- WWE's Friday Night SmackDown is shortening its run time.
- Just last week, sources suggested that SmackDown would maintain its three-hour length.The USA Network had reportedly decided that the wrestling program's third hour outperformed potential replacement programming in...
- Though,the network now plans to debut "The Rainmaker," a legal drama,in August.
WWE SmackDown is returning to its customary two-hour runtime on the USA Network, effective July 4, 2025. This programming shift, driven by the debut of the new drama series “The Rainmaker” in August, concludes the temporary three-hour format. After initially expanding when it moved to USA Network, the show’s schedule has been finalized. This strategic move, likely to be embraced by fans, focuses the live wrestling action into a more concise presentation. This means you can expect a dynamic and impactful show. News Directory 3 provides the latest info. Discover what’s next for the Friday night staple of WWE.
WWE SmackDown Cuts Back to Two Hours on USA Network
Updated June 18, 2025
WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown is shortening its run time. Cable listings indicate the show will revert to a two-hour format on USA Network, starting July 4, 2025. This adjustment coincides wiht the network’s launch of a new drama series in the 10 p.m. Eastern time slot.
The shift marks a reversal from recent expectations. Just last week, sources suggested that SmackDown would maintain its three-hour length.The USA Network had reportedly decided that the wrestling program’s third hour outperformed potential replacement programming in terms of ratings.
Though,the network now plans to debut “The Rainmaker,” a legal drama,in August. The show will air at 10 p.m. ET on Fridays, following the newly condensed two-hour SmackDown broadcast. This change impacts the WWE SmackDown role on Friday nights.
When SmackDown moved from FOX to USA Network at the start of 2025, it expanded from two hours to three. The understanding was that this was a temporary arrangement. While strong ratings briefly suggested the three-hour format might become permanent,”the Rainmaker’s” scheduling has triggered the return to the show’s customary two-hour runtime.
The change will likely be welcomed by fans who found the three-hour broadcast excessive. The July 4th episode will serve as the go-home show for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
What’s next
Viewers can expect a more streamlined WWE SmackDown experience, focusing the action into a tighter two-hour window each Friday night.