As 2026 began, WWE SmackDown surprised fans by expanding to a three-hour episode format, making headlines across the wrestling community. Now, new information hints that the WWE SmackDown format change may not be permanent, with discussions underway about reverting to a two-hour show later this year.
The year kicked off explosively for WWE SmackDown, delivering exciting matches, unexpected superstar returns, and several title changes. These developments energized viewers and set high expectations for an even more action-packed installment when the blue brand heads to Berlin, Germany for the next broadcast.
Despite the initial belief that SmackDown’s extended runtime would last throughout 2026, reliable wrestling insider Bryan Alvarez recently indicated otherwise. On his podcast, Alvarez detailed that the three-hour experiment might only last for a portion of the year, echoing a similar approach from previous seasons.
“I was told, when the announcement was made that they were going back to three hours in January, that it probably was going to be the same thing this year, where it would be a three-hour show for the first half or whatever,” Alvarez said. [H/T: Ringside News]
As the possibility of a format reversal grows, programming around WWE SmackDown’s Friday night slot is also under consideration. Alvarez noted that the USA Network may introduce a new one-hour program to follow SmackDown, possibly a show resembling ‘Everything on the Menu’ with former WWE superstar Braun Strowman involved in its lineup.
Lineup Confirmed for Upcoming SmackDown in Berlin
While format change discussions continue, WWE has already started promoting next week’s episode, set in Berlin. Headlining the broadcast is Cody Rhodes, who will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in the highly anticipated Three Stages of Hell main event.
The card also features a large-scale tag team contest: the MFTs will battle The Wyatt Sicks in an eight-man tag match. Solo Sikoa, representing his group, has openly committed to taking on Uncle Howdy’s family, and a victory could earn his team a chance at the WWE Tag Team Championship.
In another notable match-up, Trick Williams is scheduled to make his first in-ring appearance as part of the SmackDown roster. After confronting Sami Zayn last week and exchanging harsh words backstage with Rey Fenix, Williams will officially debut against Fenix, marking a significant step in his WWE career.
What This Means for Fans and WWE’s Future on USA Network
If WWE SmackDown returns to a two-hour format, fans can expect a tighter and possibly more energetic pacing in each show, potentially enhancing the viewing experience while opening Friday night opportunities for additional wrestling-themed programming on USA Network. As WWE adapts to audience feedback and broadcasting needs, this possible change emphasizes their ongoing effort to balance fresh entertainment with traditional programming lengths. All eyes will remain on Germany next week while stakeholders await official confirmation regarding any final WWE SmackDown format change.
