WWE SmackDown officially began its three hour era tonight, broadcasting live from Buffalo’s KeyBank Center with a chaotic event packed with marquee matches and ongoing rivalries. The extended runtime gave the WWE SmackDown three hour era a chance to feature intensified storylines and more star appearances than ever before.
An Explosive Start To An Expanded WWE SmackDown
The transition to a three hour show brought a bigger and more intense card, as WWE filled the evening with more matches, dramatic promos, and notable storyline developments. The blue brand leaned hard into unpredictability, promising viewers a night full of action and unresolved tensions.
Brutality Expected In The Ambulance Match Main Event
The highlight of the show saw Damian Priest facing Aleister Black in a grueling Ambulance Match. With no pinfalls, submissions, or disqualifications, the sole path to victory was to incapacitate the opponent and force them into an ambulance, slamming the doors shut. The rivalry between Priest and Black took center stage, with both men anticipating a violent showdown from which neither could escape unscathed.
Women’s Division Showdown Signals Rising Tensions
The women’s division was featured in a major eight woman tag team match, placing Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss against Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, and Kairi Sane. Friction among these competitors began on December 26, when Charlotte Flair’s victory over Lash Legend led to post-match chaos at ringside, escalating hostilities with Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Asuka, and Kairi Sane. The teams came to a head tonight, promising a dramatic clash marked by championship pedigrees and simmering animosity.
Cody Rhodes To Address Drew McIntyre’s Dangerous Challenge
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes appeared live to address Drew McIntyre after last week’s tense confrontation. McIntyre issued a formal challenge for a Three Stages of Hell match, seeking to compete for the championship during the January 9 edition of SmackDown in Berlin. Rhodes was expected to clarify his position on this high-risk bout, amplifying anticipation among fans and putting the championship scene in the spotlight.
Jade Cargill’s Match Status In Limbo
Jade Cargill’s much-anticipated singles match against Michin was left in doubt after Michin was sidelined with an injury. As the night began, there was still uncertainty regarding whether Cargill would compete or if a replacement opponent would be selected for her debut in the extended format.
Notable Appearances Announced For The Night
The event’s promotional materials added further excitement by advertising the appearances of Sami Zayn, Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, Solo Sikoa, and Drew McIntyre. Their involvement promised added drama and potential surprises throughout the night, supporting WWE’s efforts to make the three hour format a must-watch occasion from the outset.
How And Where To Watch WWE SmackDown’s New Era
Fans in the United States caught the action live at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT on the USA Network, while international audiences tuned in via streaming on Netflix. The new WWE SmackDown three hour era aimed to set a new standard for weekly wrestling entertainment, introducing longer programming that may influence the direction of major storylines and feature more high-profile talent on a regular basis. With this launch event, the WWE blue brand delivered a statement show, signaling its intent to capitalize on expanded airtime and heighten intensity heading into 2024.
