This week, news broke that WWE is still in dialogue with the USA Network regarding the possible extension of SmackDown to a three-hour show.
Recently, SmackDown made a comeback to the USA Network, following a five-year stint with FOX that allegedly fell short of the network’s anticipations.
Dave Meltzer, a correspondent from Wrestling Observer Radio, provided some insights on the possible modifications to SmackDown, which he strongly believes will come to fruition. Meltzer stated:
“It’s not a 100% but it is certainly in negotiations and I would say better than 50% it’s gonna happen. [So by negotiations you mean, attempting to get more money?] Yeah. Yeah. They have to get it. The original deal was definitely a two-hour show but now they’re discussing a three-hour show.”
It is noteworthy that this week will signal the end of the broadcasts of RAW, SmackDown, and NXT on the USA Network as NXT is set to start airing on The CW Network in the following week.
Further, from January 2025, Netflix will replace cable TV as the new broadcasting platform for Monday Night RAW, bringing to a close more than 30 years of the red brand’s presence on cable television.