7 WWE stars who may get a push when SmackDown goes to 3 hours
WWE broke some big news recently that, frankly, should be game-changing. Beyond Monday Night RAW moving to Netflix and resuming three hours of programming each and every week, another major show is set to expand.
Friday Night SmackDown will be moving to three hours beginning in January. This is a dramatic change, as before this move, RAW was the only program from World Wrestling Entertainment to ever be three hours on a weekly basis. While three-hour shows used to be a drag, they've improved a lot in the Triple H era.
With this move will come a lot of changes. Matches will likely get more time and viewership as a whole will probably decline in the last hour, hurting the overall rating each week. Above all else, however, it means more talented stars should receive screen time.
This article will take a look at a handful of SmackDown stars who could get a push and more screen time once the blue brand expands to three hours. This includes mostly absent female performers and a stable that has been utilized on an off-and-on basis.
Below are seven WWE stars who may get a push when SmackDown goes to three hours.
#7. 2025 could be B-Fab's year
B-Fab has long been one of WWE's most underutilized performers. Nobody quite knew how she could go in the ring, but fans were hoping to see the former Hit Row member get a chance. As it turns out, she is actually a good in-ring performer and excellent on the mic.
Recently, B-Fab has had the biggest push of her WWE career. She was able to show out in a Triple Threat Match with Bayley and Candice LeRae, plus she's had a handful of bouts on Speed. She also cuts fantastic promos on social media.
Still, she isn't wrestling all that often on SmackDown, but that is likely changing come January. She and Michin have forged a friendship, so the two could chase tag team gold or B-Fab could focus on the singles ranks. Regardless, expect more screen time soon.
#6. Santos Escobar & #5. Angel & #4. Berto & #3. Elektra Lopez
Legado del Fantasma is a faction on WWE SmackDown. While some members have come and gone, the current lineup includes Santos Escobar as the leader, Elektra Lopez, and Los Garza's Angel and Berto.
Santos has had a decent run on WWE's main roster, but his push has fizzled out a bit in recent months. Meanwhile, Angel and Berto have been criminally underrated for many years. Additionally, Elektra Lopez rarely gets a chance to compete in the ring, which is a shame.
That could change soon. If Angel and Berto receive regular match time, both will get to show just how good they are. Elektra could also receive more time to show out and perhaps raise her stock in the women's division. As for Santos, he could rise to being one of the top heels on the brand.
#2. Blair Davenport should be on television more often
Blair Davenport is an extremely talented superstar. She started off in WWE through NXT UK, but she had a lot of international experience prior. Blair has since gone through NXT and is now part of the SmackDown brand.
The talented star was called up to WWE's main roster earlier this year. While her feud with Naomi didn't quite hit, her brief alliance with The Unholy Union was quite entertaining before Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn lost the Women's Tag Team Titles and the trio had to go their separate ways.
Since then, Blair has barely been used. She is too good to sit on the sidelines, however, and should be used more regularly when SmackDown moves to three hours. Who knows, maybe Alba and Isla will jump to the brand and reunite with her. The trio could be a dominant fixture on SmackDown.
#1. Giovanni Vinci is being criminally underused by WWE
Giovanni Vinci is one of the most athletic and strong wrestlers on WWE's main roster. He can do incredible dives off the ropes or throw around powerhouses with ease. He is extremely impressive.
Vinci was booted from Imperium and disappeared for many months. He then showed back up, using his singles gimmick from NXT, and many expected a push for the Italian on WWE SmackDown. Instead, he lost in seconds and again disappeared.
Whether Vinci actually has heat or if he is a victim of limited television time isn't clear. Given how talented he is, it is borderline criminal that Giovanni isn't being used more regularly. When SmackDown moves to three hours, he should absolutely finally receive a proper push. If he doesn't, there must be some reason for it fans aren't aware of.