WWE announces major change to SmackDown

WWE “Friday Night SmackDown” is returning to a three-hour runtime to kick off 2026. Michael Cole and Corey Graves announced during the most recent broadcast that the change will take effect with the January 2 edition of the program. That episode is scheduled to emanate from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

This move marks a return to the longer format for the blue brand, which aired as a three-hour show during the first half of 2025 before reverting to its traditional two-hour slot at the end of June. WrestleVotes had reported last month that a shift back to three hours was likely for the January 2 date, and the on-air confirmation has now solidified those plans.

Backstage Report On WWE SmackDown Creative Changes

According to a report from BodySlam on Friday morning, WWE is aware that recent stretches of “SmackDown” have not met expectations. The creative team is reportedly actively exploring necessary changes to implement in the New Year to reinvigorate the show.

“With SmackDown expected to move to 3 hours again at the beginning of 2026, help seems to be on the way. Sources indicate that WWE is expected to give the SmackDown roster a little bit of a boost when they make the move back to 3 hours. WWE is aware that the brand desperately needs help on the creative and talent side,” BodySlam reported.

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Past WWE SmackDown Changes

While the report did not specify exactly which talent might be on the move, a roster reshuffling appears to be on the table. WWE previously adjusted the rosters earlier in the fall, which saw Sami Zayn and LA Knight switch brands. Additionally, Ilja Dragunov moved from “Raw” to “SmackDown” following his recovery from ACL surgery, making an immediate impact by capturing the Men’s United States Championship. Dragunov’s reinstatement of the U.S. Open Challenge has been a bright spot for the show over the last few months.

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