Contrary to previous reports, WWE SmackDown is expected to continue as a three-hour broadcast on the USA Network for the foreseeable future. The decision reverses earlier indications that the show’s extended runtime was a temporary measure.
When the program initially expanded to three hours, the change was positioned as a short-term alteration. Multiple reports suggested that the show would revert to its traditional two-hour format in June. As that timeframe passed without any change, the status of the broadcast’s length became a subject of inquiry.
An update on the situation was provided on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, which detailed the network’s reasoning for maintaining the extended format. The rationale is reportedly based on the viewership performance of the show’s third hour compared to potential replacement programming.
“For whatever reason, they made the call that it wasn’t worth it,” Dave Meltzer explained. “I think they realized that hour three is going to do triple of anything that they’re going to put on in that show. SmackDown is so far and away the biggest show on that station. So, yeah, they’re not making the move, at least for the foreseeable future.”
This development solidifies the show’s current structure on the network, driven by its standing as the most-watched program on the station.
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