How WWE Plans On Making Creative Changes To SmackDown

WWE SmackDown may undergo a massive overhaul in 2026.

With the brand scheduled for 3-hour episodes starting January 2, the Stamford promotion has been aware of its struggles in terms of storytelling and ratings throughout 2025.

It also suffered the repercussions of swapping talent from the blue brand to RAW, which has been the creative team’s main focus for building storylines.

Roman Reigns being shifted to the red brand may have massively impacted SmackDown. John Cena, too, appeared on the brand last on September 5.

Cody Rhodes briefly began appearing on RAW around the Crown Jewel PLE, further affecting the TV ratings.

Amid the struggles, SmackDown has been held together by the weekly United States Championship open challenge, which has managed to put on epic matches with Ilja Dragunov as the current champion.

According to a report by Bodyslam.net, the WWE creative team is contemplating the changes it can make to SmackDown next year.

With SmackDown expected to move to 3 hours again at the beginning of 2026, help seems to be on the way. Sources indicate that WWE is expected to give the SmackDown roster a little bit of a boost when they make the move back to 3 hours. WWE is aware that the brand desperately needs help on the creative and talent side. [H/T: WrestlingNews.co]

WWE SmackDown Roster Reshuffling Likely

With clear intentions to boost SmackDown ratings, WWE might revisit its reshuffling strategy in 2026.

While the Bodyslam report does not divulge any specifics, it is the obvious route to take, based on which the creative team can develop storylines.

The promotion made a few adjustments in mid-2025 by moving the likes of LA Knight, Sami Zayn, and Ilja Dragunov to the blue brand.

Speculations about Becky Lynch returning to SmackDown have made the rounds. ‘The Man’ is currently boycotting RAW as part of the storyline, which may be woven into an angle that turns her into a Friday night’s talent.