WWE SmackDown Shrinks: Two-Hour Format Returns Starting Next Week

WWE has officially confirmed that SmackDown will return to its traditional two-hour format starting next week.

The announcement came during Friday’s international Netflix broadcast of SmackDown, with WWE revealing the updated runtime ahead of the June 30 taping in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The episode will be pre-recorded at PPG Paints Arena—on the same night as Raw—due to the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Friday this year.

This marks the first two-hour edition of SmackDown since early 2025 and signals a permanent shift moving forward. The change aligns with USA Network’s schedule adjustments, as the network is set to debut a new original series in the 10:00 PM ET slot starting August 15.

Fans can expect a tighter, faster-paced version of SmackDown as WWE adjusts to the evolving broadcast landscape.