i found this as a news update on wrestleheat.com Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

USA Network has talked of wanting Raw to increase to three hours in the fall. The belief is that is guarantees the network one extra hour of very high ratings every week, thus enabling them to maintain their status of being the most watched network on cable television. The thought process being the move is that if Raw starts at 8 p.m. more often, people will get used to tuning into Raw at that time, and it will lead to higher ratings in the second hour in particular.

They also made the suggestion of Steve Austin and Undertaker being regulars on the show, even if they can't wrestle. On the WWE front, they aren't too keen on making Raw a three hour show, every single week. They think this is the last thing they need. Although, if they go through with the move, they'll likely get a rate increase from USA.

what do you think about this.

Raw sucks with a two hour show now. Why make it three?

Yeah, I mean that's what happend w/WCW Monday Nitro, they had a 3 hr. show and then looked what happend, they went back to doing 2 hrs. every Monday Night.

I would say just focus on doing a good two hour show.

I dont think that in light of recent events that subjecting these athletes to a whole extra hour every week is a smart idea. Maybe if they are planning on combining brands I could see this happening, but its just not their best move IMO. And it still wont make me more likely to watch Raw if it starts earlier. If there are better programs on Monday nights on other networks (which to me there often are) then I will being watching them instead. Slash is right on point here; they should focus on making a good two hour show rather than tacking on an extra hour of crap.

YEP 3HOURS IS TOO LONG THINK THATS AS LONG AS A PPV EVENT PLUS WWE HAS ENOUGH SHOWS TO MAKE UP FOR IT . I WOULDENT OF MINDED IF IT WAS THERE ONLY SHOW BUT ITS NOT SO NO I AGREE WITH ALL OF YOU.

I think it is fine at 2 hours. 3 hours??? What r they thinking!??!?!?!?

Remember its USA that wants this. They're just thinking about ratings.

How about the fact they are insisting on Austin and the Undertaker, have a continuing presence on the show. Looks like they have come to the conclusion that, (one of) the problems with Raw right now, is a lack of truely recognizible stars from back when they were pulling 7s and 9s for ratings.