Opening Segment1 of 8 SmackDown opened with Michael Cole welcoming Pat McAfee to a podium near the stage. It looks like WWE may be splitting host and commentary duties into two separate things.

Since the beginning of 2025, "WWE SmackDown" began airing for three hours on USA, making it the first time the blue brand has added an extra hour to their programming since the show debuted in 1999.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Tensions are high as the superstars visit San Diego for WWE Smackdown today – Friday, Jan. 17 – from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. This episode is available to ...