WWE SmackDown Expected To Drop Third Hour Soon

WWE SmackDown’s three-hour format could be ending sooner than you may think.

According to Bodyslam.net, the blue brand is expected to drop the extra hour and return to its usual two-hour format in the near future. However, no exact date or additional details were provided about when the change will officially happen.

“Sources indicate to Bodyslam that SmackDown will be leaving the 3 hour format and going back to 2 hours in a few weeks.”

This update adds to earlier talk that the three-hour format might only be temporary. Bryan Alvarez previously discussed the situation on The Bryan and Vinny Show, explaining that the extended runtime didn’t seem like a permanent move and could follow the same pattern used in 2025.

While talking about the return to three hours earlier this year, Alvarez explained why he believed the format might once again only last part of the year.

“This was the first three-hour SmackDown, and they had a comment on the show—and I didn’t write it down—but the way they said it made me think that this is an annual temporary thing,” Alvarez said. “Last year, of course, SmackDown was three hours for about the first half of the year, and then it went back to two hours.”

He also shared that he had heard similar expectations when WWE first announced the return to three hours earlier in 2026.

“I was told, when the announcement was made that they were going back to three hours in January, that it probably was going to be the same thing this year—where it would be a three-hour show for the first half or whatever.”

Right now, SmackDown is still airing as a three-hour show, but this latest update suggests the longer runtime may not last much longer. If the plan goes through, the blue brand could be back to two hours within weeks. Ringside News will continue to keep you updated as information becomes available.

Do you think SmackDown works better as a two-hour show, or do you prefer the extra third hour each week? Let us know what you think and share your feedback below.