Category: SmackDown

WWE SmackDown Moving Back To A Two-Hour Format, When It’ll Happen

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?

Aleister Black Returns to WWE on SmackDown

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.

Fraxiom Officially Joins WWE SmackDown Roster with Big Debut Win

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 Preview 4/25/2025

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX

  • Fallout from WrestleMania 41
  • WWE Tag Team Championship – TLC Match: Street Profits (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. D.I.Y.
  • Mystery person in the teaser vignette video to appear tonight (4/25/2025) – expected to be the return of Aleister Black
  • Also scheduled to appear: John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Tiffany Stratton, Bianca Belair, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa

Mysterious Return Teased for SmackDown – Is Aleister Black on His Way Back to WWE?

WWE might be gearing up for a major return next week on SmackDown, and all signs point to a familiar—and ominous—presence making his comeback.

During this week’s post-WrestleMania edition of SmackDown, fans were treated to the latest in a series of cryptic video packages that have been airing for weeks. But unlike the earlier teases, this one came with a clear date: April 25, 2025. The brief video flashed eerie images, including a masked figure bearing arcane symbols and an empty chair surrounded by flickering candles—classic dark, unsettling visuals that longtime fans might recognize as the calling card of Aleister Black.

The tease didn’t end there. After the video faded out, cameras cut to Zelina Vega—Black’s real-life wife—sitting on the turnbuckle and smiling knowingly. Vega was quietly moved to SmackDown in January, a move that at the time raised some eyebrows. Now, it’s looking more and more like WWE was laying the groundwork for Black’s return all along. The company often keeps real-life couples aligned on the same brand, which adds further fuel to the fire.

For fans who’ve been out of the loop, Black has spent the last few years in AEW under the name Malakai Black, leading the macabre faction known as the House of Black. His AEW run ended earlier this year after he reportedly requested his release due to creative differences. He was one of several notable names released around the same time, including former TNT Champion Miro (FKA Rusev) and rising star Ricky Saints (previously known as Ricky Starks), who was the reigning NXT North American Champion at the time of his departure.

Interestingly, both Miro and Black were heavily rumored to be potential last-minute replacements for Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 41 in a match against Randy Orton. With Black’s teased return date set for the SmackDown after WrestleMania, it looks like WWE decided to hold off on the surprise—possibly setting up a big post-Mania storyline instead.

Whether he arrives as the same man we last saw—or with a brand-new look and even darker edge—one thing is clear: the WWE Universe should brace itself for the return of something sinister next Friday.

WWE SmackDown Preview 4/18/2025

WWE SmackDown live Friday night on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV

  • Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
  • 6-Woman Tag Match: WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green, Piper Niven & Alba Fyre vs. Zelina Vega, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
  • WWE Tag team Championship: The Street Profits (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns
  • John Cena returns to SmackDown

WWE SmackDown Preview 4/11/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington

  • WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes
  • Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest will go face-to-face
  • Rey Fenix vs. Berto
  • Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet for WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Match at WrestleMania 41: Kayden Carter and Katana Chance vs. Lyra Valkyria and Bayley vs. Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark vs. B-Fab and Michin vs. Piper Niven and Alba Fyre vs. Maxxine Dupri and Natalya

Kevin Owens Announces Neck Surgery, Officially Out of WrestleMania 41 — Orton Left Without an Opponent

WrestleMania season just took a major hit. On Friday night’s WWE SmackDown, Kevin Owens delivered a heartbreaking update: he’s undergoing neck surgery and will be sidelined indefinitely — including missing out on a highly anticipated showdown with Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis opened the segment, setting a somber tone and reminding fans why WWE always warns against trying this at home. Aldis then brought Owens to the ring so the former Universal Champion could break the news himself.

Owens revealed that he’s been quietly battling a neck injury for the past four months but only recently discovered the full extent of the damage. The diagnosis? Surgery is required — and the timing couldn’t be worse. Owens admitted that missing WrestleMania stings, especially since he was set to face a legend like Randy Orton on the grandest stage of them all.

In an emotional moment, Owens thanked WWE for letting him speak directly to the fans, unsure of when he’ll be able to perform in front of them again. He expressed his gratitude and apologized, visibly emotional as he walked away.

But the moment didn’t end there.

As Owens made his exit, Orton’s music hit. The Viper walked to the ring and locked eyes with Owens on the apron. No words were exchanged — just a silent, mutual moment of respect. With Owens gone, Aldis told Orton the reality of the situation: with Owens out, Orton has no WrestleMania opponent.

Orton’s answer? A thunderous RKO to the General Manager.

While Owens begins his road to recovery, the question now looms large: what’s next for Randy Orton heading into WrestleMania 41? And more importantly, when — or if — we’ll see KO back in the ring.

Stay with Wrestling News Blog for updates on Owens’ recovery.

Pwinsider is reporting that according to multiple WWE sources, the situation is serious, with Owens likely needing surgery — potentially spinal fusion.

WWE SmackDown Preview 4/4/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network and Netflix International, from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

  • Last Man Standing Match: Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu
  • CM Punk to confront Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins
  • Rey Fenix debuts
  • Naomi vs. B-Fab

WWE SmackDown Preview 3/28/2025

WWE SmackDown tonight on USA Network from the O2 Arena in London, England

  • WWE United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Braun Strowman
  • WWE Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits (c) vs. Pretty Deadly
  • Roman Reigns, CM Punk and Seth Rollins sign contract for Wrestlemania match
  • Drew McIntyre to appear