Welcome to another edition of eWrestlingNews Thought of the Day!
It’s been reported by WrestleVotes Radio that as of January 3, 2025, Friday Night SmackDown programming will extend to three hours. While Monday Night Raw will continue being two hours until January 1st, the three-hour format will make a comeback once the Netflix arrangement takes effect. This proposed scheduling change signals WWE’s expansion to now eight total hours of main programming every week, excluding potential extra time for WWE Main Event and NXT Level Up, provided they remain unchanged.
My question for the day is “What is your opinion on the proposal to extend SmackDown to 3 hours? Are you in favor of it, opposed to it, or indifferent to it?”
We look forward to your answers in the comment section below.
In terms of my personal perspective…
Well. I believe there is such a thing as excess, even for good things. Oversaturation is real, and I am already chock-full of pro wrestling every week, without even tuning into some of these shows.
For reference, I regularly watch Raw, NXT, SmackDown, and Dynamite. Occasionally, I’ll watch Collision and Rampage when I have time, but in all honesty, many times not a lot transpires on those shows to warrant habitual viewing. As for Ring of Honor, Level Up, and Main Event, well, they’re just not in my rotation. TNA Impact, New Japan, MLW Fusion, NWA Powerrr, and so on are likewise not in my viewing schedule. It’s not a lack of interest, I just don’t have the time, stamina, or the obsession. There’s simply too much wrestling programming to consume in a week.
Adding an additional hour to SmackDown will further encroach on my personal time, making it even harder for me to take a break from wrestling to engage with other interests.
I hope this decision does not materialize, I firmly believe that it would be preferable to reduce Raw to 2 hours, rather than expanding SmackDown.
However, if SmackDown does indeed expand to three hours, there could be potential benefits. For instance, more screen time for the talent, providing an opportunity for lesser-known performers to get some spotlight.
This might lead to more NXT players being promoted to SmackDown, and consequently, we might see more new signings as WWE will need a steady stream of new talent. For instance, I can certainly see performers like Tony D’Angelo making a successful transition to the main roster, provided he brings his group with him.
Furthermore, with an extra hour in the lineup, WWE could potentially create a midcard title for the women’s division and start more compelling rivalries involving women Superstars. It’s high time they get the attention they deserve.
In conclusion, I’m not thrilled about adding another hour to SmackDown. I would prefer Raw returns to a 2-hour format. However, if SmackDown does extend, it could potentially provide additional opportunities for talent and open up avenues for more compelling storylines.
What’s your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!