WWE SmackDown Could Return to Three Hours in January 2027 – Reports

WWE SmackDown could undergo another significant change in 2027, with the blue brand reportedly set to return to a three-hour runtime. The potential move would once again alter the format of one of WWE’s longest-running weekly shows.

According to a report from Fightful Select, a source at USA Network revealed that WWE is planning to expand SmackDown back to three hours in January 2027. The currently planned date for the change is January 8.

WWE SmackDown Could Return to Three Hours

SmackDown has traditionally aired for two hours, but WWE has experimented with its runtime several times in recent years. The blue brand first expanded to three hours in January 2025, marking a major change to its television presentation.

However, the three-hour format did not remain permanent. WWE eventually returned SmackDown to its traditional two-hour runtime before expanding it again earlier this year. The latest three-hour run also proved short-lived, with the show returning to two hours in July.

If the reported plans go ahead, WWE would once again give SmackDown an additional hour beginning in January 2027.

Why the Runtime Change Could Be Important

A longer SmackDown would give WWE additional television time to develop major storylines, feature more wrestlers and showcase championship matches. It could also provide more room for longer in-ring contests and promotional segments.

At the same time, another format change would represent the latest chapter in WWE’s ongoing experimentation with the blue brand’s weekly presentation.

Three Major Championship Matches Announced for SmackDown

This week’s episode of SmackDown already has several major matches scheduled. Former United States Champion Carmelo Hayes is set to challenge current champion Baron Corbin for the United States Championship.

Hayes returned to the blue brand last week and immediately made his intentions clear by attacking Corbin. The confrontation quickly resulted in a championship match being announced for this week’s show.

The Women’s United States Championship will also be defended, with former NXT Champion Jacey Jayne challenging Tiffany Stratton for the title.

WWE Tag Team Championship Also on the Line

The WWE Tag Team Championships will also be defended in a Triple Threat match. R-Truth and Damian Priest are scheduled to put their titles on the line against the War Raiders and MFT.

With three championship matches already announced, SmackDown is set to feature a significant amount of in-ring action regardless of any potential future runtime expansion.

Kevin Owens and CM Punk Set for Face-to-Face

The upcoming episode will also feature a highly anticipated confrontation between Kevin Owens and CM Punk. The two stars are scheduled to meet face-to-face inside the ring before their Undisputed Championship match next week.

The segment could provide further build-up to their upcoming title clash and add another major storyline to an already packed episode of SmackDown.

SmackDown’s 2027 Future Remains Interesting

If WWE follows through with the reported January 8, 2027 plan, SmackDown will once again become a three-hour weekly program. The move would give WWE more television time but would also mark another adjustment to the show’s format after several runtime changes over the past two years.

For now, the reported expansion remains the key development surrounding SmackDown’s future, while this week’s episode is already packed with championship matches and major storyline developments.