The February 21, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown received a shocking 2.85 rating on Cagematch, an alarmingly low score for a company that is supposedly thriving. Fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the show’s direction, and it’s clear that drastic changes are needed to revive the blue brand. Here’s a breakdown of ten ways WWE can save SmackDown and restore its reputation as must-watch television.
1. Listen to the Audience
Fan dissatisfaction is at an all-time high, and WWE must acknowledge the problem before it can find a solution. Reports suggest that Triple H keeps tabs on fan opinions via social media, which was evident in booking decisions made in 2024. WWE needs to take fan feedback seriously and adjust accordingly to deliver a compelling product.
2. Ditch the Three-Hour Format
The decision to expand SmackDown to three hours has not paid off. Unlike Raw on Netflix, which has found a sweet spot at two and a half hours, SmackDown’s extra hour has only led to pacing issues and viewer fatigue. While it was initially positioned as a way to showcase more talent, the reality is that the show feels bloated. WWE has reportedly decided to revert to a two-hour format, but the transition cannot come soon enough.
3. Introduce Fresh Talent
A three-hour show demands a deep roster, yet SmackDown has failed to integrate enough new faces. The additions of Drew McIntyre and R-Truth haven’t been enough to freshen up the weekly matchups. WWE must use this opportunity to elevate underutilized stars from Raw, NXT, and even those buried on SmackDown. Superstars like Karrion Kross, The Wyatt 6, and Otis could breathe new life into the show if given proper storylines.
4. Reignite the Midcard
The midcard scene is in dire need of a reboot. The decision to put the U.S. Championship on Shinsuke Nakamura, while halting LA Knight’s momentum, has been a flop. Nakamura’s title reign has been lackluster, with just one title defense in over 80 days. Meanwhile, stars like Jimmy Uso, Carmelo Hayes, and Jacob Fatu are waiting for their moment to shine. A strong midcard is essential for a well-rounded show, and SmackDown must prioritize revitalizing it.
5. Let Cody Rhodes Wrestle
A glaring issue across WWE is the limited in-ring action for world champions. While protecting the top titles makes sense, having champions like Cody Rhodes rarely compete on SmackDown diminishes the show’s appeal. Rhodes wrestling regularly in high-stakes matches—or even issuing open challenges—could help build new stars and elevate the product. Triple H recognized this issue on Raw by booking Gunther in a dominant match against Akira Tozawa, and SmackDown needs to follow suit.
6. Feature More Big Stars
Despite having Cody Rhodes on its roster, SmackDown often struggles to showcase top-tier talent effectively. Roman Reigns and Randy Orton, both of whom are absent due to kayfabe injuries, need to return to inject star power back into the show. While WWE has been trying to push newer main eventers, the reliance on unproven stars without a compelling narrative could backfire.
7. Put the Bloodline Storyline on Hold
The Bloodline saga was a driving force behind WWE’s recent boom, but it has now lost its momentum. Following WrestleMania 40, the storylines involving Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Jacob Fatu have lacked the impact of previous arcs. Instead of forcing new chapters, WWE should allow the storyline to breathe before revisiting it later.
8. Take a Risk with New Creative Leadership
In early February 2025, reports surfaced that Road Dogg had taken over as lead writer for SmackDown. His history with WWE’s creative team during the 2017-2018 period, a time when fans heavily criticized the product, raises concerns. With the show struggling, it may be time for WWE to take a risk with a fresh creative team rather than relying on old booking philosophies.
9. Spotlight the Women’s Division
SmackDown boasts one of WWE’s strongest women’s rosters, yet it isn’t fully capitalizing on it. Over the past year, the show has delivered outstanding women’s main events, featuring stars like Nia Jax, Naomi, and Michin. By putting a greater focus on the women’s division—similar to NXT’s success—the blue brand could establish a unique identity. Additionally, the SmackDown Women’s U.S. Title provides an opportunity to showcase secondary feuds outside the main championship picture.
10. Prioritize Strong Storytelling
Perhaps the most glaring issue with SmackDown is the lack of compelling storylines. Outside of minor feuds between top stars, there’s little to keep fans invested on a week-to-week basis. This is especially concerning during WrestleMania season when narratives should be at their peak. The company had a golden opportunity to create a gripping storyline with Drew McIntyre’s controversial Royal Rumble elimination, yet it was reduced to a throwaway comment. WWE must return to character-driven storytelling if it hopes to win back its audience.