5 reasons why SmackDown going to 3 hours would be a bad idea

#4 Raw has suffered from going 3 hours

Many people have called for Raw to get back to 2 hours

Many would argue that despite being WWE's number 1 show, Monday Night Raw has suffered as a result of moving from 2 hours to 3 in 2012. Even as a Monday night show, Raw has become diluted by excessive commercials, promos, interviews and pointless matches to fill the 3 hour time slot.

One of the main reasons that Raw is 3 hours and has been that way for the past 6 years is the increase in revenue it receives from the USA Network. Although this is clearly an incentive for WWE in terms of having more income to pay an ever-expanding talent roster, they must consider the bigger picture of developing talent. Streamlining the roster and cutting the amount of TV programming each week, can avoid overexposing talent and therefore develop talent more effectively.

Raw going to 3 hours has not increased the opportunities for younger talent and it wouldn't for SmackDown. Having a bloated talent roster, with not a great deal of depth, weakens the product overall, not only from overexposure but also a lack of focus on individual talents.

SmackDown could be affected even more negatively then Raw because it is not WWE's number 1 show and if it is moved to Friday then its viewership could decrease. Particularly after the brand split, moving to an extra hour show would be to SmackDowns detriment in terms of stretching its talent roster and diluting the entertainment value with endless commercials and filler promos.