Why is WWE SmackDown changing its broadcast time on USA Network?

Last updated: April 27, 2026

USA Network is reducing SmackDown to two hours this summer to serve as a lead-in for the renewed reality show Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman.

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Runtime Change	SmackDown will drop from three hours to two hours starting this summer
Reason	To accommodate USA Network's renewed reality show Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman
New Show Premiere	Expected to air in June or July 2026
Duration Pattern	First-run episodes will air for 12 weeks after SmackDown
Historical Precedent	This formula was successfully used last season with the same show following SmackDown
Expected Reversal	WWE believes SmackDown will return to three hours toward year's end

The Broadcast Change

WWE SmackDown will transition from a three-hour format to a two-hour broadcast starting this summer. This change is being implemented to create a time slot for USA Network's renewed reality show Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman, which will air directly after SmackDown concludes.

USA Network's Programming Strategy

USA Network renews the Braun Strowman reality show because Season 1 was an astounding success for the cable network. The network is running back the same formula that proved successful previously, using SmackDown as a lead-in to draw viewers into the reality series. Season 2 is expected to premiere in June or July 2026 with first-run episodes airing for 12 weeks.

Timeline and Context

SmackDown was expanded to three hours in January 2026 to support the build to WrestleMania. The summer reduction to two hours aligns with a slower period for wrestling before the SummerSlam build begins later in the season. This mirrors WWE's 2025 approach when SmackDown expanded to three hours for WrestleMania, then reverted to two hours in August.

Future Outlook

WWE anticipates that SmackDown will return to a three-hour format toward the end of 2026. SmackDown fans should not expect the runtime reduction until a couple of months from the announcement date, as the reality show premiere is still several months away.

Sources

WWE changes course again on SmackDown’s 3-hour runtime (sports.yahoo.com)
Braun Strowman Causes USA to Make Huge SmackDown Change (twnpnews.com)