WWE's big plans for a change on RAW and SmackDown after 5 years (Exclusive)
The WWE Universe might have to deal with a change they may not be too keen on regarding RAW and SmackDown. It might be a bit polarizing as it's very similar to something we saw in 2019. A new report from WrestleVotes sheds more light on the matter.
Five years ago, we saw Vince McMahon and WWE make the controversial decision to temporarily lift the rules of brand exclusivity in favor of a "Wild Card Rule," a decision that turned out to be highly unpopular. It essentially diluted the idea of the brand split and a very large portion of the fanbase was vocal about their displeasure with the company seemingly killing the brand split again after just three years. Finally, the decision to keep brand exclusivity was cemented as SmackDown moved to FOX, and the Draft was held.
On WrestleVotes Radio exclusively on Backstage Pass, JoeyVotes and TC said that you can expect a lot of brand crossovers between now and Survivor Series: WarGames. This has already begun with Cody Rhodes, Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax appearing on RAW while Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan, and Raquel Rodriguez appeared on SmackDown.
JoeyVotes and TC insinuated that we will continue seeing this even after Crown Jewel ends and it will likely happen until Survivor Series: WarGames.
WWE is reportedly making SmackDown a three-hour show, but not for long
In another decision that WWE fans may not be too happy with, the company is reportedly planning to make SmackDown a three-hour show between early January 2025 and mid-May, according to JoeyVotes and TC. So for four full months, we could witness the blue brand have a three-hour runtime every week.
There was no further update or explanation as to why it would be three hours for only four months and not after that. However, it's going to significantly change the landscape of SmackDown, especially for the WrestleMania 41 season.
Either way, fans are going to have a lot to say about this decision.
If you use this exclusive, please provide credit to Sportskeeda Wrestling & don't forget to listen to WrestleVotes Radio only on Backstage Pass.
