What's Happening?
Recent reports suggest that WWE is considering significant changes, including the potential retirement of Brock Lesnar and the expansion of SmackDown to a three-hour format. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling
Observer Newsletter, there are discussions about Lesnar having his final match at SummerSlam 2026 in Minneapolis. This follows John Cena's upcoming retirement match, indicating a possible trend of major WWE stars stepping away. Additionally, WWE is reportedly planning to extend SmackDown from two to three hours starting January 2026, aiming to boost the show's creative and talent aspects. This change comes after a previous temporary expansion in 2025, which was linked to USA Network's programming adjustments.
Why It's Important?
The potential retirement of Brock Lesnar marks a significant shift in WWE's landscape, as he has been a major draw for the company. His departure could impact WWE's viewership and revenue, necessitating the elevation of other stars to fill the void. The expansion of SmackDown to three hours could also have substantial implications. It may lead to increased advertising revenue and provide more opportunities for talent to showcase their skills. However, it also poses challenges, such as maintaining audience engagement over a longer broadcast. These developments reflect WWE's strategic efforts to adapt to changing media landscapes and audience expectations.
What's Next?
If Brock Lesnar's retirement plans proceed, WWE will need to strategize on how to effectively transition his fan base to other wrestlers. This could involve building new storylines and elevating emerging talent. For SmackDown, the shift to a three-hour format will require careful planning to ensure the content remains engaging. WWE may need to balance its roster more evenly between Raw and SmackDown to maintain viewer interest. Additionally, the company will likely monitor audience reactions closely to adjust its programming strategy as needed.
