After months of debate, WWE is officially dialing back Friday Night SmackDown to a two-hour show. While earlier speculation pointed to an August shift, it turns out the blue brand is trimming the fat starting with the July 4 episodewell ahead of schedule.
On the June 19 episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer clarified the SmackDown timeline and how WWE is planning the change. He confirmed that while the three-hour format will officially end on August 15 to make way for The Rainmaker show at 10 PM, WWE will air a two-hour SmackDown on July 4 as part of a special double taping.
Bryan Alvarez asked for confirmation on whether both RAW and SmackDown would be taped on the same day.
Meltzer confirmed WWEs game plan and detailed how the taping will work.
As for the weeks in between July 11 and August 8? Meltzer said its still a mystery.
So while SmackDowns official return to two hours is August 15, WWE fans will get a sneak peek of the shorter format with the July 4 episode. That showpre-taped on June 30 alongside RAWwill mark a temporary return to a leaner, more focused product at least for the night.
WWE pulling back from the three-hour experiment might be the reset SmackDown needs.
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Was the third hour of Smack Down too much, or did WWE just not do enough with it? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
