“One of the worst decisions”- WWE Universe divided after massive change announced for SmackDown in 2025 ahead of upcoming $5 billion Netflix move
WWE announces major change to Friday Night SmackDown just weeks before the start of company's $5 billion deal with Netflix.
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SmackDown moving to three hours [via- WWE]
On January 6, 2025, WWE’s $5 billion deal with Netflix will officially commence. The historic move to the steaming giant worldwide will mark a new era for the company. While Raw is set to transition to Netflix, SmackDown will undergo a massive change of its own. Ahead of the latest episode of the blue brand, WWE confirmed that the show would air for three hours beginning in 2025.
The first episode of the new year, emanating from Phoenix, Arizona, on January 3, will mark the start of weekly three-hour shows. With WrestleMania season approaching, WWE might’ve considered adding an hour to both Raw and SmackDown. While not yet confirmed, the red brand could also be returning to its regular three-hour slot.
In select countries, both weekly television shows will air on Netflix as part of the aforementioned deal. The streaming giant also holds the rights to the WWE Network. However, only a select portion of the library might be available to subscribers, a decision that irked wrestling fans.
WWE has officially announced that beginning with the January 3rd 2025 episode, #SmackDown will be moving to 3 hours. pic.twitter.com/GlANzQKFzp
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 20, 2024
For the first time ever, SmackDown will have a weekly three-hour telecast. In 2012, Monday Night Raw extended to three hours, while the blue brand remained as a two-hour show. With that said, there is a lot to look forward to for fans as the promotion continues to take drastic steps ahead of the upcoming Netflix move.
Despite fan speculation, WWE clarified that the overall on-screen product would continue to cater to the younger demographic. Regardless, censorship and screen blackouts won’t be an issue, especially on Netflix.
WWE fans react to SmackDown extending to three hours from 2025
The decision to extend SmackDown to three hours received mixed views from the WWE Universe. While some thought it would be beneficial for the roster, others believed it would hamper the on-screen product. In fact, one fan was so irate about the decision, predicting it would end up as one of the worst decisions in WWE history.
Another user claimed the change would only be good if WWE opts to give more TV time to matches instead of 40-minute talking segments. Meanwhile, some fans pointed out how Triple H had figured out how to pace three-hour shows and would continue to do so in the coming weeks.
Trust me, it will go down as one of the worst decisions
— TheRudeOne (@KetanChavan011) December 21, 2024
The extra hour is for the Rock’s promos.@TheRock pic.twitter.com/3pCdNQSBkp
— P h i l m i n a t o r (@Philminator) December 20, 2024
More time for Carmelo to shine on the big stage.
— That ⭕️ne Anime fan that Loves Wrestling (@SensibleGuy100) December 20, 2024
I’m so excited for this Netflix Era
— EMGG Zealous (@ZealousTheRebel) December 21, 2024
I love wrestling man.
More time and more matches hopefully. I do NOT want to see no 40min segments leading into matches everyweek like a couple months ago tho
— ZayK47 (@Zaytoven1999) December 20, 2024
Ugh this sucks.
— Danny Able (@DK_Able) December 20, 2024
More TV time for the roster
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) December 20, 2024
A lot of users campaigned for their favorite stars to receive more screen time during the weekly six-hour television shows. Furthermore, a fan joked that WWE made this change to allow The Rock to freely cut one-hour promos, which was a major issue during last year’s WrestleMania build.
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Vansh Shah
(1102 Articles Published)