New information has been provided regarding plans to have WWE SmackDown return to a 2-hour show.
At the start of the year, the company extended SmackDown to a 3-hour format. The move has been met with a mixed response from fans, as some felt that the extended runtime was unnecessary and the quality of the show has been affected.
With Triple H stating in a prior interview that the 3-hour format would not be forever, fans have been hopeful that the show will go back to its previous runtime soon. While previous reports have indicated that the show would return to 2 hours in June, a new report has indicated otherwise.
As reported by WrestleVotes on Sportskeeda’s Backstage Pass podcast, the show will remain at 3 hours until further notice, adding that the USA Network are happy with the numbers:
“According to sources, the plans for SmackDown show length on USA Network changed back in January. WWE and USA agreed that the May 30 show would be the final three-hour presentation, with the show reverting back to two hours on the June 6 edition. We are told the show will remain three hours for the foreseeable future, as USA Network was steadfast on keeping it that length. Sources say USA has been happy overall with the performance of the show, numbers-wise, with the extra third hour.”
It was also previously reported that the reason for the extra hour was that the USA Network had no strong programming to fill the 10 pm to 11 pm slot on Friday nights.
Future WWE SmackDown To Be Pre-Taped
One of the more well-received changes that has taken place under the TKO ownership is giving staff extra time off for personal days and national holidays. With an upcoming WWE SmackDown set to take place on July 4th, it has been confirmed that the show will be pre-taped ahead of time.
H/t to Wrestling News.co
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