WWE Raw live tonight on Netflix from the Sames Auto Center in Laredo, TX, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.
WWE may be hitting the reset button on Friday Night SmackDown sooner rather than later.
After kicking off 2026 with an expanded three-hour format, new reports suggest the blue brand won’t be sticking with the longer runtime for much longer. According to Bodyslam+, WWE is planning to scale SmackDown back down to its traditional two-hour format within the next few weeks.
The shift would mark yet another adjustment in what has become a bit of a recurring experiment for the company. Earlier this year, there were already rumblings that WWE could follow a similar pattern to 2025—using the first few months of the year to run three-hour episodes before eventually trimming things back. Last year, that transition didn’t happen until July, but this time around, the change could come significantly earlier.
The original move to three hours was reportedly designed to strengthen network programming by providing a longer lead-in for other shows. However, the extended format hasn’t exactly been a hit across the board. Some within the wrestling world, including WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, have been vocal about their belief that three hours is simply too long for a weekly wrestling show to maintain consistent quality.
For comparison, WWE Raw—now airing on Netflix Monday nights—clocks in at around two and a half hours including commercials, offering a slightly shorter but still substantial viewing experience.
If the reports hold true, SmackDown returning to two hours could be welcome news for fans who prefer a tighter, more focused weekly show.
WWE has reportedly made another round of roster cuts, with a wide range of talent—from established main roster names to rising NXT prospects—being let go from the company.
As of now, the list of releases includes several recognizable names who have played key roles on WWE programming in recent years. Among the أبرز departures are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, and Santos Escobar, all of whom have had significant runs on the main roster. The exits of Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas), Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, and Erick Rowan also stand out, especially given their ties to various factions and storylines over the past few years.
The tag team division has also taken a hit, with the Motor City Machine Guns reportedly parting ways with WWE. Meanwhile, Joe Gacy and Andre Chase—both heavily featured during their time in NXT—are also included in the cuts.
On the women’s side, Zoey Stark and Alba Fyre are among those released, along with developmental names like Tyra Mae Steele and Sirena Linton.
The list extends deep into NXT, with several newer or lesser-known talents also being let go, including Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, Chris Island, Dante Chen, Malik Blade, Trill London, and Luca Crusifino.
At this stage, there’s no official word on whether more releases are expected, but the scope of the cuts suggests a significant shake-up behind the scenes. Situations like this often point to roster restructuring, budget considerations, or shifts in creative direction, particularly as WWE continues to evolve its talent pipeline between NXT and the main roster.
As always, talent releases can open the door for fresh opportunities elsewhere in the wrestling world, and it’ll be interesting to see where these performers land next. For now, though, the WWE roster looks noticeably different following this latest wave of departures.
As it stands, the following names have been released (so far):
WWE is continuing its recent trend of bolstering the main roster with fresh talent, and the next name officially on deck is none other than “Absolute” Ricky Saints.
During Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, a vignette aired confirming that the former NXT Champion will make his blue brand debut on the May 1 edition of the show, live from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The video package, which aired just before the main event, gave fans a quick but impactful look at Saints’ rise through WWE’s developmental system.
The highlight reel featured a mix of charisma-heavy shots and in-ring dominance, spotlighting his time as both NXT North American Champion and NXT Champion. It also put a strong emphasis on his finishing move, the “Roshambo,” an inverted powerbomb variation that has become synonymous with his matches. True to form, Saints closed out the package with a confident declaration: “I am the man, because I am ‘Absolute’ Ricky freakin’ Saints!”
As of now, WWE hasn’t revealed what Saints will be doing on his first night—whether it’s a match, promo, or confrontation—but expectations are already high given the way he’s been presented.
Interestingly, Saints won’t be the only recent NXT standout making the jump that night. Blake Monroe, another heavily hyped call-up, is also slated to arrive on SmackDown, making the May 1 episode feel like a major turning point for the brand’s roster.
There’s also an added layer of intrigue for longtime fans, as both Saints and Monroe previously made names for themselves in AEW under different identities—Ricky Starks and Mariah May. Now, they’re set to share the stage again, this time under the WWE banner.
With multiple call-ups already shaking things up and more potentially on the way, SmackDown is quickly becoming the landing spot for NXT’s top talent—and Ricky Saints looks ready to make an immediate impact when he finally steps into the spotlight next week.
WWE appears to be adding even more depth to its SmackDown women’s division, as Blake Monroe is officially on her way to the main roster.
During Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, a vignette aired promoting the arrival of “The Glamour,” confirming that Monroe will be joining the blue brand soon. The video package leaned into the same presentation style used during her NXT debut, featuring a voiceover alongside highlights from her recent run in WWE’s developmental system.
Monroe’s exit from NXT seems to have been solidified earlier in the week at NXT: Revenge, where she came up short in a casket match against current Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley. The visual of Paxley slamming the casket shut felt symbolic, effectively closing the chapter on Monroe’s time in NXT amid months of speculation about a call-up.
Before signing with WWE last year, Monroe was known to many fans as Mariah May in AEW, where she reached the top of the division as AEW Women’s World Champion. She arrived in NXT in June shortly after departing AEW, and it didn’t take long for her to make an impact.
Her in-ring debut came at the Great American Bash, where she teamed with Jordynne Grace to score a win over Fatal Influence. However, Monroe quickly shifted gears the very next night, turning on Grace and launching her first major storyline in WWE. She later captured the Women’s North American Championship at Halloween Havoc, defeating Zaria—who was defending the title on behalf of Sol Ruca—in one of her biggest moments on the brand.
Now, with polished character work and championship experience already under her belt, Monroe heads to SmackDown with momentum and a clear edge. Between her star power and the growing list of recent call-ups, it’s becoming clear that WWE is stacking the blue brand—and Monroe may be positioned to make an immediate splash once she arrives.
Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown turned into a statement show for one of NXT’s most talked-about factions, as Fatal Influence officially arrived—and they didn’t come quietly.
While much of the buzz heading into the night centered around Paige’s long-awaited return to the blue brand after more than eight years, the spotlight quickly shifted once the chaos began during a high-profile women’s tag team match. Paige teamed up with WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Brie Bella to take on Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, but the match never reached a proper conclusion.
Jacy Jayne—making her own presence felt in a big way—stormed the scene and yanked Paige off the apron just as a tag was about to be made. From there, things unraveled fast. Jayne sent Paige crashing into the steel steps, while the rest of Fatal Influence—Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid—hit the ring and dismantled both Flair and Bliss. The trio stood tall over all four women before heading up the ramp, making it clear with both their actions and words that SmackDown was now their territory.
The group wasn’t finished for the night, either. Later in the show, Fatal Influence crossed paths with WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, setting up an impromptu showdown between Ripley and Jayne. The match ended in another disqualification after Henley and Reid once again got involved, but the numbers game allowed Jayne to get the last laugh by dropping Ripley with her Rolling Encore finisher.
Jayne’s move to the main roster had been heavily speculated in the days following WrestleMania 42, especially after what looked like a farewell moment at the WWE Performance Center on NXT programming. What wasn’t clear at the time was whether Henley and Reid would be making the jump alongside her—but after Friday night, that question has been answered.
With a dominant debut and immediate impact on SmackDown’s top stars, Fatal Influence has officially entered the mix—and if their first night is any indication, the women’s division just got a lot more unpredictable.
WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8pm ET on USA Network and Netflix internationally from the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
WWE may be adding another internationally recognized name to its roster.
According to PWInsider, multiple sources have confirmed that former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL has officially signed with the company. The move comes after the 39-year-old star announced back in January that he would not be renewing his contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, signaling the end of a long run with the promotion.
EVIL, whose real name is Takaaki Watanabe, spent over a decade in NJPW after debuting in 2011. During that time, he built a decorated résumé and became a key figure in factions like Los Ingobernables de Japón and later Bullet Club. His resume includes a reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, along with runs as IWGP Intercontinental Champion, NEVER Openweight Champion, and multiple tag team title victories. He also found success in six-man competition, capturing the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Titles on several occasions.
For fans in the United States, EVIL isn’t entirely unfamiliar. He’s previously competed in Ring of Honor and made appearances in Jeff Jarrett’s now-defunct Global Force Wrestling, giving him some exposure outside of Japan prior to this reported WWE deal.
One notable change expected with this move is his in-ring identity. According to the report, WWE is not planning to use the “EVIL” name, meaning a rebrand is likely once he debuts on television.
There’s also a personal connection that has caught fans’ attention over the years. EVIL was previously reported to be engaged to current WWE star IYO SKY, though there’s no clear update on their relationship status as of now.
As with many international signings, the big question will be how WWE chooses to introduce him and position him within the roster. With his experience, championship pedigree, and faction background, he could bring a unique edge to whichever brand he lands on — especially if paired with the right presentation out of the gate.
For now, all eyes will be on when and where this reported signing officially comes to light on WWE programming.
WWE could be gearing up to make some subtle adjustments to Friday Night SmackDown, though fans shouldn’t expect a complete makeover.
According to recent reports, there have been internal discussions about freshening up the overall presentation of the blue brand. That said, the core look and feel of SmackDown is expected to stay the same. There are currently no plans to swap out the show’s theme music, redesign the stage, or introduce a new logo — suggesting this would be more of a light refresh than a full-scale reboot.
Alongside those production tweaks, there’s also talk of potential roster movement.
One name reportedly being discussed is Jacy Jayne. The former NXT standout recently competed at NXT: Revenge, where she came up short before delivering an emotional address to the crowd — the kind of sendoff that often signals a transition to the main roster. While nothing has been confirmed, the timing has certainly raised eyebrows.
Another interesting name linked to SmackDown is Rey Mysterio. The WWE Hall of Famer has primarily been featured on Raw in recent months, but he’s remained active across multiple promotions, including appearances in AAA. A move to SmackDown could help freshen up matchups and storylines, especially given his veteran presence and continued popularity.
As of now, there’s no official word on when — or even if — these changes will take place. Still, the idea of minor adjustments combined with a few roster shakeups could be WWE’s way of keeping SmackDown feeling fresh without straying too far from what’s already working.
Wrestling News Blog 