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WWE SmackDown Permanently Reverts to Two-Hour Format in July 2025 |
Big changes are coming to WWE's blue brand. According to new reports from PWInsider, SmackDown will officially revert to a two-hour format starting with the July 4, 2025 episode. This marks a permanent shift in how WWE presents its flagship Friday night show.
Let’s break down what this means for fans, wrestlers, and the future of WWE programming.
✅ SmackDown Returning to Two Hours Permanently
The July 4 episode of SmackDown, which will air just one week after Night of Champions 2025, is expected to usher in the return to the traditional two-hour runtime. This format change is not a temporary move, but a permanent decision that has reportedly been in the works for months.
📌 PWInsider reported that this plan has been internally known since January 2025, and WWE has stuck with the plan despite other temporary extensions due to international broadcasts and special events.
💡 Why the Change Is Significant
Here’s why this permanent reversion to two hours matters:
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Faster pacing & tighter storytelling: With less runtime to fill, WWE can focus on quality over quantity, eliminating filler and making each match or segment more impactful.
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Better talent rotation: A shorter runtime could allow WWE to rotate stars more efficiently between RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, avoiding overexposure.
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Fan fatigue reduction: With WWE RAW already being shortened slightly on Netflix (currently about 2.5 hours), this will mean less than five total hours of weekly main roster programming — a noticeable drop compared to past years.
📅 When Will the Change Take Effect?
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Last 3-hour SmackDown: Expected to air during the Riyadh special episode the week before July 4.
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First 2-hour episode: July 4, 2025 – expected to reset the pacing and presentation of the blue brand going forward.
🔮 What Could This Mean for WWE Going Forward?
This decision comes during a time of major transition for WWE:
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The company is adapting to new streaming platforms and international markets.
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Viewership behavior is shifting toward on-demand, bite-sized content.
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Creative direction under Triple H has focused on tighter, more cohesive storytelling — something a two-hour format supports perfectly.
If successful, this may also pressure WWE to consider similar long-term changes for other programming like RAW or even premium live events (PLEs).
🗣 Final Thoughts
After years of bloated runtimes and inconsistent pacing, WWE appears to be listening to fans and industry experts by streamlining SmackDown. The move back to a two-hour format permanently could be a game-changer for weekly storytelling, match quality, and overall fan engagement.
📅 Mark your calendars for July 4, 2025 — SmackDown as we know it is about to get a much-needed refresh.
