WWE Definitely Negotiating New SmackDown Deal

WWE is in negotiations over the future of SmackDown.

After five years on FOX, SmackDown returned to its old home of the USA Network on September 13th. This is the first of many changes to WWE TV as NXT will move to the CW Network in October, while Raw is set to premiere on Netflix in January 2025.

While the move to FOX has already happened, there have been reports that more changes could still happen for SmackDown, with it being thought there is a push to increase it from a two to three-hour show.

Dave Meltzer gave some insight into the possibility of the change on Wrestling Observer Radio, noting that negotiations to make it happen are taking place.

“It’s not 100% but it’s certainly in negotiations. I would say better than 50% it’s going to happen.”

When his co-host Bryan Alvarez asked if that meant WWE was trying to get more money to move SmackDown to three-hours, Metlzer confirmed that was the case.

“Yeah. The original deal was definitely a two-hour show but now they’re discussing a three-hour show.”

Surprising Gimmick Match Returning On WWE SmackDown

For the first time in seven years, WWE will bring back the Dumpster Match on the October 4th edition of SmackDown. Much like it sounds, the bout will see Michin and Chelsea Green attempt to get one another into a dumpster win the match, which is also held under No DQ rules.

The last time the match was used in the company was back in 2017 on Raw, when Kalisto got a shock win over Braun Strowman. The Monster Among Men got the last laugh, though, as he locked the lucha star into the dumpster and launched it off the stage.

H/T to WrestleTalk.com for the above transcription.