WWE: Backstage Update on WWE SmackDown Going Back To Being Two-Hour Show, Backstage Update on Zoe Hines WWE Signing, Official Poster for SummerSlam 2026 Revealed

Backstage Update on WWE SmackDown Going Back To Being Two-Hour Show

As noted before, WWE SmackDown is currently expected to be moving back as a weekly two-hour format show on USA Network in a few weeks.

The Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez reported that his sources stated that WWE’s contract with USA Network stipulates a three-hour show for SmackDown from January through the end of June and then as a two-hour show from July through December every year.

In a follow-up report, Dave Meltzer reported in a recent episode of the Wrestling Observer Radio that this arrangement will likely be for the duration of WWE’s media rights deal with USA Network. Meltzer reported that this will likely be for the next four years.

Meltzer also reported that SmackDown reverting back to a two-hour show is currently expected to happen either in the last week of June or the first week of July.

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Backstage Update on Zoe Hines WWE Signing

As noted before, WWE recently announced their newest class of talent recruitment signees for their Performance Center. Among those signed included Zoe Hines, who is the niece of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Dave Meltzer reported in a recent episode of the Wrestling Observer Radio that his sources stated that Hines’ signing may have been something that was “politically forced” onto WWE.

Meltzer reported that Hines’ tryout with WWE was not something exceptional causing the company to want to sign her based on merits. Instead, those spoken to reportedly stated it was a forced hiring because of who she was related to and because of Robert F. Kennedy and Linda McMahon both currently being in the President Trump cabinet. Meltzer reported that Hines’ tryout was more of her just wanting to try a pro wrestling career.

Meltzer also reported that Hines’ situation was similar to Simone Johnson, former Ava, in regards to her hiring with WWE.

Those spoken to reportedly stated that they were very much dreading this and it was known as far back as a year ago that it was inevitable that this would happen.

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Official Poster for SummerSlam 2026 Revealed

WWE revealed the official poster for SummerSlam 2026, which takes place on August 1-2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This poster features Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, CM Punk, Penta, Becky Lynch, Oba Femi, Liv Morgan, Seth Rollins and Trick Williams as the cover stars.

Minnesota, are you ready?! Combo tickets to #SummerSlam are on sale NOW with presale code: ALLWWE 🔥

🎟️: https://t.co/kurAkFwHJ6 pic.twitter.com/m1EoaS42nT

— WWE (@WWE) April 30, 2026