SmackDown officially returns to a three-hour format starting in January 2026

WWE SmackDown will officially return to the three-hour format on January 2, 2026. The news was confirmed by Michael Cole during the December 12 broadcast, ending weeks of speculation that had already been hinted at by outlets like WrestleVotes and Wrestling Observer.

The key to this decision does not come from WWE, but directly from USA Network. The network has requested to once again extend the show's duration in order to strengthen its prime time slot, following several strategic moves during 2025.

USA Network reclaims the three hours "as long as it deems necessary"

Internal sources confirmed that USA Network intends to maintain the extended duration "as long as it deems necessary," which opens the door for SmackDown to remain at three hours for a good part of 2026 if audiences respond as expected.

The blue brand already experimented with this model between January and June 2025, before reverting back to two hours to make room for the premieres of The Rainmaker and Everything On The Menu featuring Braun Strowman. Although those productions delivered acceptable ratings, none came close to the stable and competitive performance that SmackDown maintains even in quieter weeks. Additionally, WWE received many complaints from fans about the excessive duration.

Although the extended format could slightly impact the average viewership, both WWE and USA Network believe the impact will be minimal, in part because the relaunch will occur outside of the American football season, one of the most competitive periods in the U.S. television calendar.