5 Ways WWE Can Revive SmackDown in 2026

Friday Night SmackDown has been submerged in criticisms in recent times due to its declining quality and lack of substantial elements. WWE has been filling the shows with recap footage, repetitive segments, video packages and random matches. The blue brand that was once regarded as the most compact and entertaining show has now become a matter of fans' frustration.

WWE needs to find ways to revive SmackDown immediately as the show goes back to its three-hour format starting on January 2, 2026. The addition of an extra hour will give the company a great opportunity to feature more stars and re-establish the blue brand's reputation. Triple H therefore has a big task on hand to tackle the alarming problems of the show.

Let's look at five ways WWE can revive SmackDown in 2026:

#5. Giving current champions credible challengers

One of the biggest problems currently on SmackDown is the lack of prominent challengers. Top champions like Jade Cargill and Chelsea Green have been struggling to find credible opponents that could deliver great feuds and pose a threat to their championship reign. Besides, Cody Rhodes has been entangled in a feud with Drew McIntyre, with no big names available for him.

Giving current champions credible challengers is a foundational step to revive SmackDown in 2026. This kickstart of fresh feuds will once again help WWE retain fans' interest in the Friday night show. Champions getting high-profile and legitimate opponents for their titles would create must-see tension, fill airtime meaningfully and restore prestige on the blue brand

#4. Injecting fresh talents on SmackDown via NXT call-ups

Friday Night SmackDown is currently at a stage where it needs some new faces, as things have become quite stagnant in both divisions. With WWE heading into 2026, the company should call up some NXT stars to the blue brand. Talents like Jordynne Grace, Tatum Paxley, Joe Hendry and Trick Williams should head to the main roster as part of SmackDown.

Their arrival on the brand could refresh feuds, elevate midcard titles, and provide variety, countering 2025 criticisms of repetitive booking and absent top stars. Moreover, the roster undergoing a major shakeup will reignite fans' interest in the show. It could open doors to some incredible feuds and storylines, helping SmackDown get back to the top again.

#3. Maintaining superstars' and factions' credibility

Maintaining the credibility of superstars and factions is essential for SmackDown's revival, as this year saw significant erosion that once drove the show's success. The Wyatt Sicks, which once used to be a major highlight due to its unique presentation, has lost its aura and charm. Besides, the MFT that was repackaged as a commanding faction has now become underwhelming.

Individual stars like Drew McIntyre, Rey Fenix and Giulia have lost their credibility too. This credibility loss amplified SmackDown's struggles against RAW's stronger booking. WWE therefore needs to focus on this aspect as it heads to 2026. Maintaining superstars' credibility can benefit the company to build compelling feuds which in turn will make the show better.

#2. Reducing recap videos and filler content

One of the biggest issues SmackDown is submerged in is the misutilization of the hours. The show is plagued by bloated segments, repetitive recaps of prior events, and non-essential backstage segments that padded the runtime. Fans have consistently voiced their frustrations and this is something that marred the show with criticisms.

Reducing excessive filler content stands as a top priority for rejuvenating SmackDown in 2026, directly addressing one of the most consistent fan complaints. Triple H needs to book the three hours more efficiently by letting talents shine and storylines develop fully. Ever champions need to get more screentime, which will make things interesting again.

#1. Booking meaningful championship reigns

Triple H has pulled the trigger on several title changes this year for Friday Night SmackDown. The volatility of the champions is staggering but what's more worrying is their title reign. The champions are never given a proper run that could establish themselves. Giulia's Women's United States Championship reign was a fiasco and so was Jacob Fatu's United States Title reign.

Besides, Jade Cargill's WWE Women's Championship, which began on a high note, is struggling to make a mark. The Wyatt Sicks' Tag Team Championship reign hasn't been any good either. Every other championship reign has been catastrophic in 2025. This has been one of the most alarming problems that WWE needs to solve to revitalize SmackDown.

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Edited by Subhasish Deb