Big changes are on the horizon for WWE’s flagship programs as both WWE SmackDown and WWE Raw are set to extend their runtimes to three hours in early 2025. Last week, it was officially announced that SmackDown will adopt a three-hour format starting January 3, 2025. Meanwhile, Raw, which is set to debut on Netflix on January 6, will also return to its three-hour runtime.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE sources have confirmed the shift for Raw. Additionally, international TV networks airing Raw have already been informed about the extended runtime. These networks, which primarily broadcast sports programming, are accustomed to flexible schedules, providing WWE some leeway on episode lengths.
Meltzer also weighed in on the financial implications of SmackDown’s expansion. It’s unclear if WWE will see an increase in rights fees to compensate for the additional hour. If there’s no fee bump, Meltzer argues this could indicate that WWE’s recent deal with NBCUniversal is less lucrative than its previous agreement with Fox, with the new deal offering less money per hour and reaching fewer households.
Despite these potential drawbacks, there are some upsides to the move. The additional hour on both shows will provide more time to spotlight WWE’s extensive roster. Moreover, since the production infrastructure for each show is already in place, the added hour won’t significantly increase operational costs. However, Meltzer also pointed out that when Raw previously extended to three hours, the show experienced a dip in ratings, a concern WWE may need to address.
The changes are happening soon, with SmackDown officially extending to three hours on January 3, 2025, and Raw making its Netflix debut at three hours on January 6. These adjustments mark a significant shift in WWE’s programming strategy as the company continues to navigate new platforms and partnerships.