WWE SmackDown looks reportedly set to revert back to the 2-hour format in the summer of 2026 after being extended by another hour for the second year in a row.
As reported by Bodyslam, SmackDown will lose the extra hour later in the year. The reason for the change is that “Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman”, which features the former WWE star as the host, will take the 10 pm slot on Fridays.
There has been no official update from WWE regarding when the switch will take place.
It was previously reported that the reason for SmackDown gaining the extra hour was that the USA Network did not have a show to pull a strong enough rating in the Friday night 10 pm slot.
Analysis: WWE SmackDown Loses Extra Hour In Summer 2026
Bringing the Friday night show back down to a 2-hour format will be a welcome move for many fans. Few were happy when it was announced that the show would be extended at the start of the year, especially with all the extra adverts and filler. The company has struggled with both creative and ratings during this time, with SmackDown very much being presented as the B show in recent weeks.
In 2025 and 2026, the 3-hour SmackDown broadcasts have felt more like a 2-hour show stretched out as opposed to an extra hour of compelling content. Additionally, the show has seen a distinct lack of star power outside of the main event scene, as the majority of the top stars are on Raw.
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