The two-hour format has reportedly made it harder for WWE to feature Grace and other women
Summary
– Jordynne Grace’s SmackDown absence is reportedly the result of limited television time
– WWE’s return to a two-hour format has reduced opportunities for the women’s division
– Grace is reportedly healthy and available but currently has no active storyline
Jordynne Grace’s continued absence from WWE SmackDown is reportedly the result of limited television time rather than a lack of interest in her.
During a Q&A, WrestleVotes’ Joey Votes explained that Grace has become caught in a numbers game as WWE decides which performers and storylines to feature each week.
“Jordynne Grace they’re certainly not using,” Joey said. “She’s done a few Main Event matches. She’s not in storylines. It’s just a numbers game. You gotta pick and choose.”
TC added that SmackDown’s move from three hours back to two has particularly affected the women’s division.
The third hour previously gave WWE more opportunities to feature multi-woman matches and tag team bouts involving wrestlers who were not part of the brand’s biggest storylines.
Those opportunities have reportedly decreased since the show returned to its two-hour format.
SmackDown’s crowded men’s roster has also placed additional pressure on the available television time.
Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Sami Zayn currently occupy prominent roles, while the returns of Kevin Owens and Randy Orton have created further competition for space on the show.
Grace was previously reported to have attended SmackDown tapings without receiving substantial creative direction. On one occasion, WWE reportedly brought her to Lexington before sending her home without using her.
An ankle injury also disrupted reported plans for Grace to compete against Tiffany Stratton and Giulia in a Women’s United States Championship match at WrestleMania 42.
Grace has since recovered and remains available, but WWE has not placed her in a new storyline.
Her absence is now reportedly being attributed to SmackDown’s limited runtime and an increasingly crowded roster.
