Sports
SmackDown Stays Three Hours as Jade Cargill Nia Jax and Naomi Clash in Must Win Match
With Money in the Bank spots on the line and star power stacked, WWE doubles down on SmackDown’s third hour for the foreseeable future.
WWE SmackDown is staying super-sized — and it’s coming with major matchups. Originally intended as a temporary extension, the three-hour format of SmackDown on USA Network will now continue indefinitely, thanks to strong ratings and positive network feedback.
According to backstage reports, the May 30th episode was meant to be the final one with an extended runtime. However, USA Network has been impressed by SmackDown’s performance and has opted to keep the third hour alive, giving WWE even more time to deliver high-stakes drama and fan-favorite appearances.
And this week’s episode proves why.
In one of the most anticipated showdowns, Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, and Naomi will collide in a Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifying Match. Each Superstar has her eyes set on the briefcase, but only one will punch her ticket to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match — a career-altering opportunity.
The rivalry is more than business. With rising tensions and personal jabs exchanged on social media and recent episodes, this match has become deeply personal. Cargill brings unmatched athleticism and charisma, Jax offers pure dominance and experience, while Naomi’s speed and resilience make her a wild card in this unpredictable clash.
Also on the card, Cody Rhodes and John Cena will make appearances, raising the stakes even higher. Plus, Bianca Belair returns, and fans will witness another blockbuster qualifying match featuring Andrade, Jacob Fatu, and Carmelo Hayes.
With Money in the Bank rapidly approaching, every moment on SmackDown counts. The third hour may have started as an experiment, but with storytelling this compelling and matches this electric, it’s now clear that Friday nights just got even bigger — and WWE fans aren’t complaining.