WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network from the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia
What was supposed to be a temporary experiment is now stretching beyond its expected expiration date. WWE SmackDown will remain a three-hour broadcast into early June, according to a new report from PWInsider Elite — a move that flies in the face of previous reports indicating a return to the two-hour format by the end of May.
The blue brand extended its runtime at the start of 2025 after jumping back to the USA Network in September of last year. Since then, SmackDown has aired from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST on Friday nights, but the response from fans has been a mixed bag.
While some viewers welcomed the extra hour of action, others have grown increasingly frustrated, pointing to a noticeable dip in the show’s pacing and quality. Critics argue the third hour has often felt like filler, lacking the energy and star power that once made SmackDown must-see TV.
The numbers appear to back that up. Since the conclusion of WrestleMania 41, SmackDown has struggled to hold viewers. Last Friday’s episode hit a new low for 2025, drawing just 1.29 million viewers and scoring a 0.36 rating in the coveted 18–49 demo — the second-worst rating since the move back to USA. That kind of drop-off is raising eyebrows, especially considering the initial plan to scale the show back to its original runtime this month.
WWE has yet to officially comment on the extension, but if this trend continues, the company may need to make a tough call: trim the fat, or risk further alienating the fanbase.
For now, SmackDown fans should brace for more three-hour marathons, at least through the first part of June. Whether WWE can recapture the momentum it once had with the blue brand remains to be seen.
WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC.
WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix for international fans from the Wright State University Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.
WWE made a wave of cuts on Friday, May 2, 2025, parting ways with a mix of established main roster talent and several rising stars from NXT. The release list includes some surprising names, prompting plenty of speculation about what’s next for the wrestlers involved.
Among the main roster talent released are Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Kayden Carter, and Katana Chance. Over on the NXT side, the company has let go of Cora Jade, Jakara Jackson, Riley Osborne, Javier Bernal, Oro Mensah, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Dani Palmer and the faction Gallus. These cuts mark another significant roster shuffle for WWE, which seems to be refining its roster across all brands.
As is standard, the released main roster stars will be under 90-day non-compete clauses, while the NXT names are expected to serve 30-day non-compete periods. During that time, WWE will continue to pay the talent, giving them a window to evaluate their options and plan their next moves.
Fightful Select reports that Dakota Kai has already generated considerable interest from other promotions and talent agencies, and insiders expect her to have multiple opportunities ahead. Shayna Baszler’s departure, however, came as a shock to many within WWE. She had recently helped out at “NXT” and re-signed with the company in 2024, making her release one of the more unexpected moves in this round.
In NXT, some releases were more telegraphed. Jakara Jackson’s recent exit from the Meta-Four faction and separation from Lash Legend on this past Tuesday’s “NXT” all but signaled her impending departure. Oro Mensah may have fallen into a similar category.
Meanwhile, Cora Jade and Gigi Dolin wasted no time in re-establishing themselves on the independent scene. Both shared contact details on social media for upcoming bookings, and Jade has already reverted to her indie ring name, Elayna Black—a name she used during her early run on the independent circuit and brief AEW appearances back in 2019 and 2020.
WWE’s latest roster purge underscores the shifting priorities and evolving strategy of the company as it continues to shape its creative and business direction under the TKO banner. For many of these talented performers, this could be the start of a new chapter—whether in AEW, TNA, NJPW, or the growing indie scene.
WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Wells Fargo Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
WWE’s bold attempt to extend SmackDown to three hours appears to be nearing its end. According to longtime insider Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the company is expected to return the blue brand to its traditional two-hour format by the end of May, wrapping up a trial run that kicked off back in January. Fellow observer Bryan Alvarez added that June 6th has been floated as a possible final date for the experiment.
The third hour was initially introduced as a way to provide more room for longer matches and expanded storytelling, giving WWE creative a chance to flesh out characters and feuds with more breathing room. However, the response has been a mixed bag. While some fans appreciated the added depth, others felt the pacing suffered, echoing long-standing criticisms of Monday Night Raw’s three-hour structure.
Internally, reactions within WWE have also been divided. While some saw the extended runtime as a valuable creative opportunity, others reportedly felt it diluted the show’s energy and made it harder to maintain consistent quality week to week.
If the return to two hours does happen as expected, it’ll be seen as a move to recapture SmackDown’s tighter, more focused pacing — something that had made it a fan-favorite brand in recent years. With key storylines heating up heading into summer, the timing may be ideal to sharpen the format once again.
Are you in favor of a shorter SmackDown, or were you enjoying the longer weekly shows?
After weeks of cryptic vignettes keeping fans on their toes, Aleister Black made his highly anticipated return to WWE Friday night on SmackDown — and he didn’t waste any time making an impact.
The Miz was in the ring, venting his frustrations over being left off the WrestleMania 41 card. A WrestleMania mainstay since 2007, Miz felt blindsided after not even getting a cameo at this year’s biggest show. Adding to his fury, Miz called out the recent surge of newcomers, specifically targeting El Grande Americano, who recently clashed with Rey Fenix, and TNA Champion Joe Hendry — revealed as Randy Orton’s surprise tag partner after Kevin Owens was sidelined with an injury. Miz didn’t hold back, mocking Hendry as nothing more than a “meme” who turned the ring into a musical theater stage.
But before Miz could get too deep into his rant, the arena lights dropped — signaling something big was about to happen.
Out came Aleister Black, making a chilling entrance that paid homage to his original WWE persona, complete with a remixed version of his first theme. The crowd erupted as Black stepped into the ring. Miz barely had time to react before Black leveled him with a devastating Black Mass, leaving the “A-Lister” laid out to a thunderous ovation.
Black’s return comes after finishing up his run with AEW earlier this year. While he wrapped things up there in January, it’s believed his free agency wasn’t finalized until late February or early March. Fans will remember Black’s initial WWE stint beginning in 2016, where he quickly became a standout star before his release in 2021 led him to AEW.
Now, Aleister Black is back on WWE soil — and if Friday night was any indication, the blue brand just got a whole lot darker.
SmackDown just got a serious boost in its tag team division. Fraxiom — the dynamic duo of Nathan Frazer and Axiom — officially made their blue brand debut on this week’s episode, and they wasted no time making a statement.
Facing off against Los Garza (Angel & Berto), the former NXT Tag Team Champions looked right at home under the SmackDown lights. The match reached its climax when Axiom nailed Angel with a beautiful Spanish Fly, perfectly setting up Frazer to hit his signature Phoenix Splash for the three-count.
While this was their first official outing as a team on SmackDown, both Frazer and Axiom have been making solo appearances recently. Frazer battled Rey Fenix on the April 4 episode, while Axiom tested himself against the powerhouse GUNTHER back on March 14.
WWE has confirmed that Fraxiom will be sticking around on the SmackDown brand moving forward, adding some fresh energy — and high-flying fireworks — to the tag team scene. Get ready for more show-stealers from these two.
WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX
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