Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown did 2,469,000 viewers on FOX. This is down from the 2,475,000 viewers the show did a week ago.
WWE SmackDown pulled in a 0.74 rating in the key 18-49 demo, which is up from the 0.71 rating from one week ago. Brandon Thurston of WrestleNomics reported the numbers.
The show featured Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE United States Champion Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, and The Rock making appearances.
WWE SmackDown Viewership Slightly Decreases, but Key Demo Rating Improves
Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX drew a viewership of 2,469,000, slightly down from the 2,475,000 viewers the show garnered the previous week. However, despite the dip in overall viewership, the show managed to increase its rating in the key 18-49 demographic.
According to Brandon Thurston of WrestleNomics, WWE SmackDown achieved a 0.74 rating in the 18-49 demo, up from the 0.71 rating it received the week before. This indicates that while fewer people tuned in to watch the show, it managed to attract a higher percentage of viewers within the coveted age group.
Several factors contributed to the episode’s viewership and ratings. One of the main attractions was the presence of Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, whose ongoing storyline has captivated fans. Reigns’ dominance and character development have made him one of the most compelling figures in professional wrestling today.
Another notable appearance on the show was made by WWE United States Champion Logan Paul. Paul, a popular YouTuber and social media influencer, has been involved in various WWE storylines, bringing in a new audience and generating buzz among his millions of followers.
Additionally, the episode featured appearances by Cody Rhodes, a former WWE wrestler who now competes in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and The Rock, a legendary figure in professional wrestling and Hollywood. These special appearances likely attracted both current and lapsed fans who were eager to see these iconic personalities.
While the slight decrease in viewership may be a cause for concern, it is important to note that fluctuations in ratings are common in the television industry. Factors such as competing programming, seasonal changes, and other external circumstances can impact viewership numbers.
Nonetheless, the increase in the key 18-49 demo rating suggests that WWE SmackDown continues to resonate with its target audience. The show’s ability to engage younger viewers is crucial for its long-term success, as they represent the future fan base and potential consumers of WWE merchandise and live event tickets.
WWE SmackDown’s consistent presence on network television, specifically on FOX, has allowed it to reach a broader audience compared to its previous home on cable. The partnership with FOX has provided WWE with increased exposure and the opportunity to attract new viewers who may not have been familiar with professional wrestling before.
As WWE continues to adapt to the changing media landscape and explore new avenues for content distribution, it will be interesting to see how the viewership and ratings for SmackDown evolve. The company’s ability to create compelling storylines, showcase talented performers, and engage with its audience will be crucial in maintaining and growing its fan base in the highly competitive world of sports entertainment.