WWE SmackDown may not return to a two-hour format… yet.
2025 began with WWE SmackDown running as a three-hour show on the USA Network, instead of its usual two hours. This was a significant change for the blue brand, which had largely been a two-hour show since its inception in 1999. Triple H later mentioned in January that this change was only temporary and that SmackDown would go back to two hours later.
In September 2024, WrestleVotes reported SmackDown would switch back to two hours in June after many three-hour episodes. Last month, WrestleVotes confirmed this again and said the change would likely happen with the June 6 episode of SmackDown, with F4WOnline.com’s Dave Meltzer also confirming this detail.
However, recent reports from PWInsider say that things might not go as expected. The reports mentioned that the USA Network had internally listed WWE SmackDown as running three hours long in early June. This means the show might continue with the longer, three-hour format instead of going back to the usual two-hour format.
It remains to be seen how much longer this format will last, but it looks like SmackDown will be a three-hour show a bit longer.
WWE SmackDown May 23rd match card update
The May 23 episode of Friday Night SmackDown will air live from the EnMarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia. This show will be the final stop before Saturday Night’s Main Event. Below is updated match card for upcoming edition of SmackDown.
- Aleister Black, LA Knight, and Shinsuke Nakamura will compete in the Men’s Money in the Bank qualifier.
- Giulia, Charlotte Flair, and Zelina Vega will battle in the Women’s Money in the Bank qualifier.
- The Street Profits will defend their WWE Tag Team Championship against Fraxiom
Read More: WWE SmackDown Results: Review, Grades, Card For May 16
