Is WWE Raw Still 3 Hours?By Coder| September 27, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Is WWE Raw Still 3 Hours? WWE Raw, the flagship show of World Wrestling Entertainment, has been a staple of sports entertainment for decades. Known for its larger-than-life characters, high-flying action, and dramatic storylines, Raw has captured the attention of millions of fans around the world. But one question that often arises is whether WWE Raw is still three hours long. History of WWE Raw WWE Raw made its debut on January 11, 1993. Originally a one-hour program airing on Monday nights, it quickly gained popularity and became a two-hour show in 1997. This change allowed for more matches, interviews, and segments to entertain wrestling enthusiasts. However, in July 2012, WWE made a significant decision that would shape the future of Raw. The show was expanded to three hours in an effort to provide even more content for fans. This move allowed WWE to showcase additional matches and storylines while giving more airtime to its extensive roster of superstars. The Pros and Cons of a Three-Hour Show While expanding WWE Raw to three hours seemed like a good idea at the time, it had its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: More Matches: With an extra hour added to the show’s runtime, WWE was able to feature more matches each week. This gave fans the opportunity to see their favorite superstars compete in longer bouts and showcase their skills. Deeper Storylines: The additional time allowed for more in-depth storytelling. Wrestlers could develop their characters through promos and backstage segments, making storylines more engaging and complex. Showcasing New Talent: With three hours to fill, WWE had the chance to introduce new talent and give them much-needed exposure. This allowed up-and-coming superstars to gain a following among the audience. Disadvantages: Potential for Filler Content: A three-hour show can sometimes lead to filler content that may not be as engaging as the main storylines. This could include segments or matches that don’t contribute significantly to the overall product. Audience Fatigue: Sitting through a three-hour show every week can be exhausting for some viewers. Maintaining their attention for such a long duration can be challenging, especially during slower segments. Quality Control: Expanding the show’s runtime means more content needs to be produced. Ensuring consistent quality throughout the entire duration of Raw can be demanding and may result in occasional dips in entertainment value. The Current Status of WWE Raw To answer the question – is WWE Raw still three hours? The answer is yes, as of now. Despite the pros and cons associated with a three-hour show, WWE has continued with this format. The company recognizes that while there are challenges with maintaining audience interest for such an extended period, it also provides an opportunity for more talent to shine and for storylines to develop further. However, it’s worth noting that WWE has occasionally aired special episodes of Raw that are shorter or longer than the usual three hours. These episodes are often dedicated to specific events or celebrations within the wrestling calendar. In Conclusion WWE Raw is still a three-hour program, offering fans an extensive dose of sports entertainment every week. While there are advantages and disadvantages to this format, it continues to be the norm for the flagship show of World Wrestling Entertainment. Whether WWE will consider shortening or extending Raw in the future remains uncertain, but for now, fans can expect three hours of thrilling action, captivating storylines, and larger-than-life characters on their screens each week.