Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering WWE.
Fan Reactions Mixed as WWE Adjusts Show Length After 12 Years
WWE has announced that its flagship program, Raw, will be shortened from three hours to two hours starting from October 7, 2024, after 12 years of being a three hour broadcast. The change will remain in effect until the show transitions from the USA Network to Netflix in January 2025, although it is unclear if the length will change again once it makes the streaming platform move.
Raw has been a staple of WWE’s programming since its debut, and its three hour format has sparked debate among fans. Some enjoy the extended time that allows more talent to be showcased, while others have criticized the length, saying it often felt dragged out. WWE Superstar Seth Rollins once called the three hour format "obnoxiously long."
The decision to cut the program down aligns with WWE's move to Netflix, marking a significant shift from traditional TV networks. TKO, the parent company of WWE, has described the Netflix deal as a "transformative" change, highlighting the global reach of the streaming giant. However, it remains uncertain whether Raw will return to its three hour format on Netflix.
Wrestling fans have mixed reactions to the change. While some, like fan Jonathan Elgie, welcome the shorter run time, others are concerned that less airtime might mean fewer opportunities for certain wrestlers to showcase their skills.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, better known as Triple H, has long expressed his preference for a two hour format, calling it a "beautiful number" for a wrestling show. Seth Rollins echoed this sentiment, saying that the three hour show often felt stretched.
As WWE prepares for its Netflix debut, fans are also hoping for more content changes. Some, like Jonathan, want to see WWE return to a darker, edgier style of programming, appealing more to adult audiences than the current PG rated content.
WWE has not yet confirmed if the program length will change after its move to Netflix or what other shifts fans might expect with the transition. However, the shortening of Raw could serve as a trial run before the final shift in January 2025.
