Uncertainty Surrounds WWE SmackDown Runtime For July

The future of WWE SmackDownโ€™s runtime for July remains up in the air, with conflicting reports and no final decision reportedly made behind the scenes. While itโ€™s confirmed that SmackDown will return to its traditional two-hour format starting August 15, plans for the weeks leading up to that date remain fluid.

During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed the situation, focusing on the July 4 episode, which is currently scheduled as a three-hour broadcast โ€” despite prior reports suggesting the show would shift back to two hours beginning that week.

Bryan Alvarez: โ€œApparently itโ€™s going to be a three-hour SmackDown.โ€

Dave Meltzer: โ€œIโ€™ve asked about thatโ€ฆ Iโ€™ve asked so many times what theyโ€™re doing. Itโ€™s very clear to me that nothing is finalized.โ€

Meltzer went on to note that WWE has yet to lock in a consistent plan for the month, saying internal communication reflects day-to-day changes.

โ€œWe know on August 15 theyโ€™re going to two hours. But between now and then? I donโ€™t think anything is set. Weโ€™re hearing different stories every day. Is it three? Is it two? Weโ€™ll probably find out on July 4, or maybe even earlier when they tape the episode next Monday.โ€

The only confirmed detail is that SmackDown will officially return to a two-hour format starting Friday, August 15, due to the premiere of USA Networkโ€™s new scripted series โ€œThe Rainmakerโ€, which will occupy the 10 PM ET timeslot that SmackDownโ€™s temporary third hour currently fills.

Until then, fans and talent alike are awaiting clarity on the showโ€™s length through the rest of July โ€” particularly surrounding special episodes like the July 4 holiday edition.

Stay tuned to PWMania.com for ongoing updates on WWE SmackDownโ€™s schedule and all major programming developments.