According to a recent report, WWE is not receiving any additional financial compensation from the USA Network for the ongoing third hour of WWE SmackDown. The arrangement comes as the network has opted to continue with the extended three-hour format for the foreseeable future, a decision driven by strong viewership.
The status of the show’s length was addressed on the June 16 edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, where Dave Meltzer confirmed the three-hour broadcast is no longer temporary. When asked by co-host Bryan Alvarez if the format was permanent, Meltzer indicated it was the new standard until the network decides otherwise.
Until USA comes up [and] changes the idea.
Meltzer elaborated on the network’s rationale, explaining that an initial plan to place a different program in the 10-11 PM slot following SmackDown was abandoned. The decision was reportedly based on the conclusion that the third hour of the wrestling program would generate significantly higher ratings than any alternative.
Yeah. Yeah. Well, it’s three—it’s three hours until they change it. It’s not like there’s… originally it was going to stop in June, and USA had a show that they wanted to put on from 10–11, you know, piggybacking off SmackDown. And for whatever reason, they made the call that it wasn’t worth it. And, you know, for their ratings, it’s not worth it. I think they realized that hour three is going to do triple anything they’re going to put on in that slot.
The conversation then shifted to the financial terms of the extension. Alvarez questioned if a new deal was struck for the additional content.
So clearly they must be being paid some new deal?
Meltzer’s response was a blunt denial.
No.
This prompted a surprised reaction from Alvarez, who sarcastically questioned the arrangement.
They’re doing this for free? I’m suffering through this for charity?
Meltzer offered his analysis of the situation, suggesting the original broadcast contract likely included an option for the network to extend the program’s length without increasing the payment to WWE. He noted the lack of any announcement regarding new revenue on investor calls as evidence that the financial terms have not changed.
Well, I guess the way they signed the contract, they must have given USA the option. Because if they were making more money on the deal, it absolutely would have been said at the investors call and we would have seen it. We would have seen the difference in the money. So obviously the money has not changed, ‘cause if it was, we’d have been told.
The expansion of SmackDown to three hours began on January 3, 2025. The move, initially expected to conclude in June, has drawn mixed reactions for its impact on show pacing, though it provides more screen time for a wider range of talent. While the three-hour block is now indefinite, some discussions suggest a potential return to a two-hour format could be considered in September to align with the start of the new television season.
READ MORE: WWE Reportedly Planning Major Shakeup for Top SmackDown Stable