WWE News: Friday Night SmackDown! Undergoing Massive Change, Report

WWE SmackDown! has been operating as the second main brand for World Wrestling Entertainment since April 29, 1999.

In the 25 years since the program debuted, there have been multiple changes. Not only did SmackDown! used to appear on Thursdays, it has now appeared on six different channels.

SmackDown! returned to the USA Network on Sept. 13, 2024, with a new logo and new theme song by Megan Thee Stallion.

However, this isn't the final change the program will see.

According to WrestleVotes Radio (per Andrew Ravens of WrestlingNews.co ), SmackDown! will be changing to a three-hour format once Monday Night Raw officially moves to Netflix on Jan. 3, 2025.

"Before we move off of SmackDown, our first real WrestleVotes tidbit here, as we get going on this backstage pass regarding SmackDown, is that we have learned that starting on the January 3 show 2025, Smackdown will indeed shift to three hours," WrestleVotes Radio reported.

"The other big news here is there are rumors that once the show ends, it will be available on Netflix , which we haven't heard elsewhere. Those are the internal talking right now is that probably the day after SmackDown will be available on Netflix. But the real nugget here is that starting January 3, that show will be three hours."

It was noted that SmackDown will return to its classic two-hour format in June 2025.

Still, that's about six months of a three-hour program.

While it's worth noting that Raw has been three hours long since July 2012, this has often been a divisive topic among wrestling fans.

Having more wrestling is great and it will give WWE Superstars more of a chance to shine, but it also means the pacing of the program is more likely to drag, losing the interest of the live audience and viewers at home.

That being said, this could be the perfect opportunity for WWE to introduce some new titles.

There has been a long-circulating rumor that WWE is looking to introduce women's mid-card titles . This would be perfect for the countless talented women on the roster, including Lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile, Zoey Stark, and so many more.

Additionally, Karrion Kross has pitched a new hardcore title called the Extreme Wrestling Championship. This would also be a great addition that could create a change in pace from the standard action seen on the show.

No matter what happens, WWE is in for a major adjustment in 2025, likely the most significant change since Triple H took over as head of creative.