WWE Friday Night SmackDown will reportedly continue as a three-hour show on the USA Network for the time being. However, the company will not receive any additional payment for the extended runtime.
Dave Meltzer mentioned on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE had originally planned to revert to its regular two-hour format in June. However, the USA Network decided to keep SmackDown as a three-hour show, not due to a new deal or increased revenue, but because of strong viewership numbers.
Meltzer also pointed out that the third hour of Friday Night SmackDown consistently brings in significantly higher ratings than any other programming the network could air in that timeslot.
This is what Meltzer said, “For whatever reason, they made the call that it wasn’t worth it [to change it]. I think they realized that hour three is going to do triple of anything that they’re going to put on in that show. SmackDown is so far and away the biggest show on that station.”
WWE has likely agreed to the USA Network's request to keep SmackDown as a three-hour show. Since there has been no mention of increased revenue in any shareholder meetings or investor reports, it is highly unlikely that any financial terms have changed. Despite WWE not receiving additional payment, the USA Network is pleased with SmackDown's ratings and the ad revenue generated during the third hour.
Unless the USA Network develops a new show that could match or surpass these numbers, SmackDown is expected to remain a three-hour broadcast for the foreseeable future.
