Tue Oct 08 20:24:33 UTC 2024: ## WWE RAW Cuts Back to Two Hours in Experiment

**St. Louis, MO -** WWE RAW is going back to its two-hour format for the next 13 weeks, marking a significant shift for the flagship show. This move, effective immediately, will see the show conclude at 10 pm ET, effectively eliminating the often criticized third hour.

The experiment comes during a period of favorable ratings for RAW, but the company seeks to further enhance these numbers. The shortened show will also save WWE millions in production costs, particularly as the USA Network secured a discounted rate for the 13-week experiment.

While the move is intended to improve the show’s average viewership and boost live viewership, it also presents potential drawbacks. The impact on performer utilization and the show’s format on streaming platforms like Netflix remain uncertain.

“The third hour of RAW has been a point of contention for fans for years,” said a WWE spokesperson. “This experiment allows us to evaluate how a shorter show performs in terms of viewer engagement and overall impact. We are confident that these changes will only strengthen RAW’s position as the premier wrestling program.”

Tonight’s RAW will feature a double taping to accommodate the upcoming European tour, with highlights including Gunther defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Sami Zayn, Jey Uso defending his Intercontinental Championship against Xavier Woods, and a Donnybrook Match between Sheamus and Pete Dunne.

The move to two hours comes at a time when WWE is experiencing a surge in popularity. The company’s creative direction under Paul Levesque has led to a more engaging product, attracting new viewers and retaining existing ones. This experiment could further solidify WWE’s position in the industry, potentially paving the way for a permanent change in the show’s format.

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