WWE SmackDown Set to Return to Three-Hour Format in 2026, Talent Roster Boost Expected
The blue brand's flagship show is getting a major overhaul as it returns to its three-hour runtime starting with the January 2 episode. This decision comes after a brief stint back under the traditional two-hour format, which ended in June.
According to sources close to the company, WWE SmackDown has been struggling to meet expectations in recent months, prompting a review of creative and talent decisions. Insiders indicate that changes are on the horizon, with a roster reshuffling expected to be part of the shake-up.
The move back to three hours is seen as a major boost for the show, which had previously struggled to maintain viewer interest. WWE is reportedly bringing in fresh faces and tweaking its lineup in an effort to reinvigorate the brand.
One name that has been mentioned as potentially joining SmackDown is Sami Zayn, who left the blue brand earlier this year. However, no official announcements have been made regarding specific talent changes.
The January 2 episode at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, will mark the return of SmackDown to its longer format. Fans can expect a packed show with a mix of established stars and new additions to the roster.
The blue brand's flagship show is getting a major overhaul as it returns to its three-hour runtime starting with the January 2 episode. This decision comes after a brief stint back under the traditional two-hour format, which ended in June.
According to sources close to the company, WWE SmackDown has been struggling to meet expectations in recent months, prompting a review of creative and talent decisions. Insiders indicate that changes are on the horizon, with a roster reshuffling expected to be part of the shake-up.
The move back to three hours is seen as a major boost for the show, which had previously struggled to maintain viewer interest. WWE is reportedly bringing in fresh faces and tweaking its lineup in an effort to reinvigorate the brand.
One name that has been mentioned as potentially joining SmackDown is Sami Zayn, who left the blue brand earlier this year. However, no official announcements have been made regarding specific talent changes.
The January 2 episode at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, will mark the return of SmackDown to its longer format. Fans can expect a packed show with a mix of established stars and new additions to the roster.
! I mean, it's been feeling a bit stale lately, like they're just phoning it in. Adding fresh faces is gonna be sick, can't wait to see Sami Zayn come back swinging 
! This shake-up better bring some fire, because let's be real, WWE needs a spark right about now 
. A three-hour show means more storylines, more drama, and more of everything I love about wrestling 
! Bring it on, 2026 is gonna be lit 
just saw that WWE SmackDown is getting a major overhaul... sounds like they're trying to fix things after struggling lately 
. bringing in fresh faces is always a good idea, but it's also gotta be done right or it'll just be more of the same old mess 
. don't get me wrong, I love Sami Zayn and all, but if WWE thinks adding him back to SmackDown is gonna save the show, they're sadly mistaken 
. only time will tell if this three-hour format change is actually a game-changer or just another gimmick 
.
and make it feel like 3 hours worth of tv time 
, not just padding with filler matches... been thinking about what they could do to refresh smackdown, maybe a few more women's matches or some new tag teams?
. Bringing in Sami Zayn could be a good move, but only time will tell if it's a winner or another flop 
.
. All these fresh faces they're bringing in? Probably just a bunch of puppets for the new management 
. I mean, who is behind this sudden change? Not just Vince McMahon, that's for sure 
. Something fishy is goin' on here... Mark my words! 
. Time will tell if this changes things for the better 
.