WWE SmackDown’s return to two hours is happening sooner than originally expected, after a new clarification changed the previously reported timeline.
Earlier reports suggested SmackDown would remain a three-hour show until early July. That date was widely discussed after Dave Meltzer stated the change was likely coming during the first week of July. Now, that timeline has shifted, and the return to two hours is being moved up.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer clarified that the earlier July estimate was incorrect and confirmed that SmackDown will switch back to two hours in June instead.
“Smackdown will be moving back to two hours starting in June. We had previously been told July. The 5/29 show will be the final three hour show.”
That means the three-hour format will wrap up at the end of May, cutting the extended runtime earlier than many fans expected. Rather than eliminating that time slot entirely, USA Network will use it for other programming.
“The third hour will on 6/5 be for the second season of ‘Everything On The Menu,’ where Braun Strowman goes into restaurants in 12 cities. Mark Henry and Alexa Bliss will be in two episodes.”
That replacement programming won’t be permanent. Another show is expected to fill that slot later as part of the network’s broader scheduling plan.
“After that, they’ll put another show in the third hour slot for about three more months.”
This adjustment also reinforces the long-term structure tied to WWE’s current television agreement. The expectation is that SmackDown will continue switching formats depending on the time of year.
“The current deal with USA is now six months per year at three hours and six months at two hours.”
The biggest takeaway from this clarification is simple — SmackDown’s move back to two hours is happening earlier than first rumored, with the May 29 episode now set to mark the end of the three-hour version for this cycle.
Fans who felt the extra hour dragged at times may welcome the shorter format sooner than expected, while others who enjoyed the added content will see that third hour disappear earlier than planned.
Do you think SmackDown works better as a two-hour show, or do you prefer the extra third hour even if it only runs part of the year? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you think.