Tag: SmackDown

WWE SmackDown Reportedly Returning to Two-Hour Format Later This Year

Big changes are on the horizon for WWE Friday Night SmackDown. Earlier this month, Triple H announced that the blue brand, currently airing on the USA Network, will be returning to its traditional two-hour format later in 2024.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this shift is expected to happen sometime between May and June, shortly after WrestleMania 41. WWE reportedly plans to keep SmackDown in its current three-hour format through the spring, as the company believes it has enough compelling content to sustain the additional hour until then.

The End of the Three-Hour Experiment

SmackDown’s move back to two hours will mark the conclusion of the show’s recent experiment with an extended runtime. While the three-hour format has allowed WWE to showcase more talent and stories, it has also been met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom feel that the additional hour dilutes the show’s pacing and impact.

A return to two hours would bring SmackDown back to its roots and align it with what many fans consider its most successful format. Historically, the two-hour structure has been praised for delivering a tighter, more action-packed product, and this change is likely to be welcomed by a majority of WWE’s fanbase.

What This Means for WWE Programming

The timing of the change is significant. WrestleMania 41, which will take place in April, is traditionally a reset point for WWE’s storylines and programming. By scaling SmackDown back to two hours following the biggest event of the year, WWE can adjust its creative direction and focus on crafting concise, high-quality episodes for the remainder of 2024.

SmackDown’s Future on USA Network

This announcement comes as SmackDown continues its current run on the USA Network. The show’s move to the network in late 2024 was part of WWE’s massive deal with NBCUniversal, following the expiration of its previous agreement with FOX. Fans will be keeping a close eye on how this programming change impacts SmackDown’s presentation under its new home.

As WWE gears up for this transition, it’s clear that Triple H and the creative team are looking to optimize SmackDown’s format to keep fans engaged while delivering the best product possible.

For now, fans can look forward to an exciting few months leading into WrestleMania 41, with the blue brand wrapping up its three-hour run in style before heading back to its classic two-hour format later this year.

More WWE Stars Switched Brands As Part Of The Transfer Window Storyline

The ever-changing landscape of WWE saw another shake-up during Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, with some stars switching brands as part of the ongoing transfer window storyline.

One of the most notable moves is Damian Priest, who now officially calls SmackDown home. Priest, who’s been riding high as a member of The Judgment Day and had a standout year following his Money in the Bank win, brings a unique intensity to the blue brand. Joining him on SmackDown is The Miz, WWE’s self-proclaimed “Most Must-See Superstar,” adding a veteran presence and endless entertainment to Friday nights.

Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory—collectively known as A-Town Down Under—have made their way to Raw.

These moves are part of WWE’s transfer window, which allows roster shuffles to keep the product fresh and intriguing for fans. With Priest and The Miz poised to make waves on SmackDown, and A-Town Down Under bringing their energy to Raw, fans can expect new rivalries and storylines to emerge in the coming weeks.

Who will these superstars clash with next, and how will their moves reshape the WWE landscape?

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/24/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight from the Moody Center on the Campus of the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas, beginning at 8:00 pm ET on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally.

  • LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga
  • Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly

Charlotte Flair Retuning To WWE Programming Soon

Anticipation is building as “The Queen” Charlotte Flair appears to be gearing up for her long-awaited return to the WWE women’s division. Flair, a 15-time women’s champion and one of the most decorated performers in WWE history, posted a 19-second video on X (formerly Twitter) that has fans buzzing about her comeback.

In the clip, Flair is seen running up and down a quiet road, wearing a knee brace, as a gritty monologue plays over the footage. Addressing both her critics and herself, Flair says, “Charlotte, she’s selfish. She’s just Ric Flair’s daughter. She’s going to come back washed. She’s not even that good. Oh, she’s been handed everything. You’re going to prove them wrong. Ashley, get out of your f**king head.” The caption accompanying the video reads, “It’s ME vs ME. Always has been, always will be” — punctuated by a painted red nails emoji.

The powerful video not only serves as a message of resilience but also suggests Flair is ready to silence doubters and reclaim her spot at the top of WWE’s women’s division.

The Long Road to Recovery

Charlotte Flair’s last WWE appearance was on SmackDown in December 2023, when she suffered a devastating injury during a match against Asuka. A dangerous fall from the top rope left Flair with a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, forcing her to the sidelines for over a year. The Grand Slam Champion’s absence was felt deeply in the women’s division, and rumors of her comeback have been swirling ever since.

Last September, reports surfaced that WWE had preliminary creative plans to involve Flair in a storyline with then-WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and rising star Tiffany Stratton. However, her recovery timeline put those plans on hold. Now, with the Women’s Royal Rumble just two weeks away on Saturday, February 1, speculation is mounting that Flair could make her dramatic return in the annual battle royal.

Could Flair Be Royal Rumble-Bound?

The timing of Flair’s video has fueled speculation that her comeback could happen at the Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s biggest events of the year. Adding to the intrigue, Flair is not the only high-profile name rumored for a return at the Rumble. Alexa Bliss, who has been absent from WWE programming since mid-2023, and Becky Lynch, Flair’s longtime rival and occasional ally, are also reportedly gearing up for returns.

The idea of Flair, Bliss, and Lynch reentering the fold simultaneously has fans dreaming of blockbuster feuds and fresh storylines for 2024. With Flair’s history of dominating at marquee events, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her use the Royal Rumble as the perfect stage for her return.

What’s Next for “The Queen”?

If Flair does make her comeback at the Royal Rumble, it could set the stage for a potential WrestleMania moment. A win in the Rumble would give her a title opportunity at WrestleMania 41, and with a division stacked with stars like Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and IYO SKY, the possibilities are endless.

Regardless of when and where Flair officially returns, her video makes one thing clear: she’s coming back with something to prove. As her motivational monologue suggests, Flair isn’t just battling external challenges — she’s facing down her own doubts and expectations. For “The Queen,” it’s always been about striving for greatness and silencing anyone who dares to question her legacy.

Stay tuned as more details emerge, and be sure to catch the Women’s Royal Rumble on February 1 to see if Charlotte Flair makes her triumphant return to WWE!

Last night on WWE SmackDown the following vignette aired to build hype for Charlotte Flair’s return:

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/17/2025

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown airs live on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Bayley
  • Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza
  • Solo Sikoa returns following his loss to Roman Reigns in Tribal Combat

The Wyatt Sicks Moved To WWE SmackDown Amid Transfer Window

The WWE transfer portal has been busy again, and it’s bringing major changes to the blue brand. The Wyatt Sicks, a faction shrouded in mystery and chaos, are officially moving to WWE SmackDown. This shift not only signals a fresh start for the group but also puts an end to their ongoing feud with The Final Testament.

Karrion Kross Drops the News

Fans learned about the move during a backstage segment on this week’s Raw. While speaking with The Miz outside of Adam Pearce’s office, Karrion Kross revealed that The Wyatt Sicks would be leaving the red brand for SmackDown. The announcement makes it clear that WWE is opting to draw a line under the rivalry between The Wyatt Sicks and The Final Testament, which had been a focal point on Raw in recent months.

This decision also sets the stage for Karrion Kross to move on to new storylines without the ominous faction lurking in his shadow. Whether his comments hint at his own brand move or a new angle for Kross remains to be seen.

The Wyatt Sicks’ Rocky Road on Raw

The Wyatt Sicks haven’t had the smoothest ride on Raw. The faction, led by Bo Dallas in his Uncle Howdy persona, was last seen on the December 23 episode, where their interference led to Dexter Lumis’ match with The Miz ending in a no contest. Prior to that, the group suffered their first loss on the December 9 episode, with Dallas himself taking the pin in a tag match against The Final Testament.

While their cryptic and chaotic presence created intrigue, these losses marked a stumbling block in their momentum. Moving to SmackDown could be a chance for The Wyatt Sicks to regain their edge and establish themselves as a dominant force.

Joining Familiar Faces on SmackDown

Interestingly, The Wyatt Sicks’ move reunites them with Braun Strowman, another former disciple of Bray Wyatt. Strowman returned to SmackDown earlier via the transfer portal, and his presence adds an intriguing layer to The Wyatt Sicks’ arrival. With their shared history as part of the Wyatt Family legacy, fans are already speculating about potential interactions—or rivalries—between Strowman and the group.

Uncle Howdy wasn’t with the group during their last appearance on Raw.

Fresh Opportunities on the Blue Brand

The move to SmackDown opens up a world of possibilities for The Wyatt Sicks. The blue brand’s roster is packed with potential rivals, from established stars to rising talents. Whether they continue their mysterious and unsettling antics or take a more direct approach, the group’s presence is sure to shake things up on Friday nights.

Meanwhile, SmackDown’s creative team now has the challenge—and opportunity—to revitalize the faction, potentially giving them a stronger spotlight and better creative direction than they had on Raw.

What’s Next?

With The Wyatt Sicks leaving Raw, the group gets a much-needed reset. Whether this move allows them to regain their footing and create the same kind of mystique Bray Wyatt brought to WWE remains to be seen. For now, fans will have to tune in to SmackDown to see how The Wyatt Sicks fit into the mix.

As WWE continues to shake up the rosters and craft new storylines, The Wyatt Sicks’ move could be a major turning point for the faction. Will the blue brand become their playground of terror, or will they face new challenges that test their unity? Time will tell.

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/3/2025

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown live on USA Network from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

SmackDown moves to a 3-Hour show beginning tonight.

  • WWE Women’s World Title Match: Nia Jax (c) vs. Naomi
  • United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade in a non-title match. If Andrade wins, he will be next in line to challenge Nakamura for the title.

Shakeup To WWE’s Ring Announcing Teams

In a noteworthy shakeup within WWE, it has been reported by PWInsider that two prominent ring announcers, Lilian Garcia and Alicia Taylor, are set to switch brands in the near future. This change signals a fresh start for both announcers as they bring their unique energy to new audiences.

Lilian Garcia Heads to SmackDown

A seasoned WWE veteran, Lilian Garcia will transition from her recent role on RAW to take over announcing duties on SmackDown. Known for her polished delivery and emotional performances, Garcia is no stranger to the SmackDown stage, having previously made her mark on the brand during her illustrious career. Fans can expect to hear her voice as early as tonight’s episode.

Alicia Taylor Joins RAW

Meanwhile, Alicia Taylor will step into the RAW spotlight, officially beginning her tenure this coming Monday. Taylor has gained a loyal following with her dynamic style and passion for the sport, most recently showcased during her time on NXT. Her transition to RAW provides an exciting opportunity to expand her reach to the red brand’s worldwide audience.

Both announcers bring a unique flair to their roles, and this swap adds a fresh layer of intrigue as WWE continues to fine-tune its on-air presentation. Be sure to catch Lilian Garcia on SmackDown tomorrow night, and don’t miss Alicia Taylor’s RAW debut this Monday on Netflix.

WWE SmackDown Preview 12/27/2024

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

The only thing WWE has officially announced and advertised heading into the show this evening is an appearance by Undisputed WWE Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes.

WWE SmackDown Preview 12/20/2024

WWE SmackDown will air tonight on the USA Network, taped last week from the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Bianca Belair and Naomi defends against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae
  • The Bloodline vs. LA Knight, Apollo Crews and Andrade
  • Carmelo Hayes vs. Braun Strowman
  • Johnny Gargano vs. Alex Shelley