Tag: Wwe Smackdown Ratings

WWE SmackDown ratings rebound from Halloween low

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s WWE SmackDown averaged 1.141 million viewers, up 22.3 percent from the previous week’s Halloween episode. This is the third-highest audience total the show has done since Nielsen started using its new ratings measurement system.

In the 18-49 demo, SmackDown drew a 0.26 rating. That’s up 30 percent from the October 31 episode and is also the third-best rating the show has done in that category under the new system. SmackDown finished second on cable and third on all of television in the key demo, trailing college football on Fox and college basketball on ESPN.

As compared to the same week in 2024, under Nielsen’s old panel-only reporting method, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 25.7 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 44.7 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s episode was down 4.5 percent in viewers and 16.1 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

Note: Beginning on October 1, Nielsen started using the new Big Data + Panel measurement system. The change has resulted in a severe decline for most pro wrestling shows.

WWE SmackDown draws record low ratings on Halloween

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s Halloween edition of WWE SmackDown averaged 933,000 viewers on USA Network, down 18.7 percent from the previous week. It’s the lowest audience total the show has ever done on USA Network and lowest overall number for SmackDown since an episode that was moved to FS1 in November 2023.

SmackDown drew a 0.20 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s down 31 percent from the prior week and is also the lowest rating the show has done on USA. Other than a clip show on New Year’s Eve 2020, it’s the lowest rating SmackDown has ever done on any network.

Along with airing on Halloween (traditionally a bad night for wrestling shows), SmackDown went head-to-head with game six of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. The baseball game averaged 17.4 million viewers on Fox alone — in addition to airing on other platforms — and drew a 3.28 rating in the 18-49 demo, topping all of television in both categories.

As compared to the same week in 2024, under Nielsen’s old panel-only measurement system, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 34.7 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 52.4 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s episode was down 24 percent in viewers and 39.4 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

Note: Starting on October 1, Nielsen switched to the new Big Data + Panel ratings measurement system, which has resulted in lower-than-usual ratings for most wrestling shows.

WWE SmackDown demo rating up despite World Series competition

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s WWE SmackDown episode averaged 1.147 million viewers on USA Network, a drop of three percent from the previous week. Despite that, this is the second-largest audience total the show has done under Nielsen’s new Big Data + Panel measurement system.

SmackDown topped the cable charts, and finished third overall on television, with a 0.29 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s up 3.6 percent from last week and is the best rating the show has done in that category since September 26, which was under the previous system.

The show went head-to-head with game one of MLB’s World Series, which drew the second-highest ratings of the last seven years for a World Series opening game. Fox averaged 12.5 million viewers for the broadcast and did a 2.53 rating in 18-49 airing head-to-head with Smackdown. The baseball pre-game show finished second on the charts with 7.244 million viewers and a 1.30 rating.

As compared to the same week in 2024, under the old ratings measurement system, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 19.1 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 32.6 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 8.6 percent in viewers and 12.1 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

Note: numbers before October 1 are using the previous method of calculating ratings.

WWE SmackDown ratings up for Crown Jewel fallout episode

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Last Friday’s WWE SmackDown episode averaged 1.180 million viewers on USA Network, up 15 percent from the previous week. It’s the best audience total the show has done since Nielsen switched to its new “Big Data + Panel” ratings system at the beginning of October.

SmackDown drew a 0.28 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s up 27 percent from the October 10 episode and also marks the highest number for SmackDown since Nielsen made its switch to the new system.

On a night with heavy sports competition — including two MLB Championship Series games, as well as college football on both Fox and ESPN — SmackDown finished ninth on television in the key demo.

As compared to the same week in 2024, using the old measurement system, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 14.2 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 33.3 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership totals and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, along with the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 8.5 percent in overall viewers and 20 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

Note: Prior to October, ratings were calculated under the old panel-only method. Since the switch, wrestling ratings have generally been lower than they were previously.

WWE SmackDown ratings down against big MLB playoff number

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s WWE SmackDown averaged 1.025 million viewers on USA Network, down 0.5 percent from the previous week. That sets a new record low for a SmackDown episode airing on USA Network and is the lowest overall number for the show since a November 2023 edition on FS1.

The episode took place in Australia and aired live on Netflix overseas before being shown on tape delay for the USA Network airing. In the 18-49 demo, the broadcast drew a 0.22 rating. That’s down 4.3 percent from last week and is also a record low for SmackDown on USA Network. It’s SmackDown’s lowest overall rating in that category since a Best Of special on New Year’s Eve 2021 that did a 0.08.

SmackDown finished fifth on television in the key demo. It went head-to-head with a Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers game on Fox that averaged 8.049 million viewers and drew a 1.74 rating in 18-49, making it the most-watched MLB Divisional series playoff game in 14 years. There was also competition from a WNBA Finals game on ESPN and college football on ESPN2.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when the ratings were still measured under Nielsen’s old panel-only system, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 38 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 55.1 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, along with the 10-week average in both categories. Prior to October 3, the ratings were reported under the old system with Nielsen’s new Big Data + Panel method replacing it that week. Since then, wrestling numbers have taken a big hit across the board compared to what they were previously doing.

WWE SmackDown draws record low ratings with new reporting model

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Wrestling ratings continue to be hit hard by Nielsen’s new reporting model.

Friday night’s WWE SmackDown episode averaged 1.03 million viewers on USA Network, down 19 percent from the previous week. It’s the lowest audience total the show has done since returning to USA Network and is the lowest overall number for SmackDown since November 29, 2023 — when the show was moved to FS1 due to Fox airing college football in its time slot.

This and last week were the first two weeks of SmackDown numbers reported under Nielsen’s new “Big Data + Panel” methodology, which aims to provide more accurate data by replacing the old panel-only system. Thus far, that has resulted in much lower wrestling numbers than had previously been reported.

SmackDown finished third on cable on Friday night with a 0.23 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s down 34.3 percent from last week and is also the lowest rating the show has done in that category on USA Network. Overall, it ties the lowest rating SmackDown has ever done for a first-run episode of the show. A “Best Of” special on New Year’s Eve in 2021 did draw a lower rating (0.08) on FS1.

The MLB playoffs had the night off on Friday, but there was sports competition from a WNBA Finals game on ESPN that topped all of cable with a 0.44 rating in 18-49 and 1.858 million viewers overall.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when Nielsen still used the panel-only rating system, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 32.2 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 51.1 percent.

WWE SmackDown viewership slightly up for Wrestlepalooza go-home show

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown averaged 1.342 million viewers on the USA Network, up 2% from the previous week. It’s the second largest audience for the show since August 15th.

SmackDown topped all cable with a 0.37 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s the exact same rating the show did last week in that category and ties the second best the show has done since the August 8th episode.

There was stronger than usual sports competition on the night. A college football game on FOX aired head to head and topped all television with a 0.58 18-49 rating and 2.657 million viewers overall. Also airing opposite SmackDown was another CFB game on ESPN as well as a WNBA playoff game on ESPN2.

As compared to the same week in 2024, the overall viewership was down 10.2% while the 18-49 rating was down 17.8%.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of overall viewership and 18-49 demo ratings for WWE SmackDown on the USA Network as well as the 10 week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 7.4% in overall viewers and 9.8% in 18-49 as compared to recent averages.

WWE SmackDown viewership, 18-49 rating down

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown averaged 1.316 million viewers on the USA Network, down 15.7% from the previous week. It’s the third lowest audience for the show since July 4th.

SmackDown averaged a 0.37 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s down 27.5% from last week but was the second highest rating the show has done in that category since August 8th.

The show finished second on all television in the key demo, trailing only a college football game on ESPN that aired head to head that averaged a 0.60 18-49 rating and 2.609 million viewers overall.

As compared to the same week in 2024, which was the debut episode on USA after moving from FOX, the overall viewership was down 23.6% while the 18-49 rating was down 32.7%.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of overall viewership and 18-49 demo ratings for WWE SmackDown on the USA Network as well as the 10 week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 8.1% in overall viewers and 9.8% in 18-49 as compared to recent averages.

WWE SmackDown ratings up big for AJ Lee return

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

With a loaded-up show including an appearance by John Cena and the long-awaited return of AJ Lee, WWE SmackDown got a sizable ratings increase on Friday night.

The episode averaged 1.585 million viewers on USA Network, up 38.2 percent from the previous week. It’s the largest audience total for the show since July 25.

SmackDown topped all of TV with a 0.51 rating in the 18-49 demo, nearly doubling the closest competition. That’s up 82.1 percent from last week and ties the best rating the show has done in that category since April 18.

Though not included in the TV charts, there was competition from a YouTube-exclusive NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs that averaged more than 17 million viewers globally.

Lee’s return was not officially announced in advance, but it was all but confirmed with WWE heavily hinting that she would be on the episode.

As compared to the same week in 2024, SmackDown’s viewership was down 10.5 percent while the 18-49 rating was up 13.3 percent. The episode one year ago was the last SmackDown on Fox.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, as well as the 10 week average in both categories. This week’s show was up 11.6 percent in viewers and 27.5 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

WWE SmackDown draws record low ratings

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s Clash in Paris go-home edition of WWE SmackDown averaged 1.147 million viewers on USA Network, down 8.8 percent from the previous week. It’s the lowest viewership total for the show since moving to USA Network and is the lowest overall number for SmackDown since November 24, 2023 — when it was moved from Fox to FS1 that week due to college football.

This episode was taped in France earlier in the day and had already aired live on Netflix overseas before the U.S. broadcast. It drew a 0.28 rating in the 18-49 demo on USA Network, which is down 20 percent from last week. It’s the lowest rating SmackDown has ever drawn on USA and also matches the lowest overall number for the show since the November 24, 2023 episode.

The show finished third for the night (second on cable) on the 18-49 charts, trailing two college football games. The top-rated game averaged 3.483 million viewers on ESPN and drew a 0.89 rating in the 18-49 demo. Another game on Fox finished second with a 0.64 rating in the demo and 2.832 million viewers overall.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when the show still aired on Fox, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 44.2 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 47.2 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s episode was down 21.3 percent in viewers and 31.7 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

WWE SmackDown viewership down against NFL preseason games

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown averaged 1.258 million viewers on the USA Network, down 12% from the previous week. It’s the lowest audience for the show since July 4 and the second lowest so far in 2025.

SmackDown averaged a 0.35 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s identical to last week and ties the lowest since July 4th and third lowest rating the show has done in that category this year to date.

The show went head to head with 2 separate NFL preseason games on CBS and the NFL Network. The CBS game topped all of television with a 0.42 rating and 2.563 million viewers.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when SmackDown still aired on FOX, the overall viewership was down 38.6% while the 18-49 rating was down 37.5%.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of overall SmackDown viewership and 18-49 demo ratings as well as the 10 week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 14.6% in overall viewers and in 18-49 as compared to recent averages.

WWE SmackDown ratings up for SummerSlam fallout episode

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s SummerSlam fallout episode of WWE SmackDown averaged 1.557 million viewers on USA Network, an increase of 0.8 percent from the previous week. It’s the second-highest audience total SmackDown has drawn since April 25.

The show included appearances by both John Cena and Cody Rhodes. It drew a 0.48 rating in the 18-49 demo, up 4.3 percent from last week and tying the best rating the show has done in that category since the April 25 episode.

SmackDown finished second for the night on all of TV in the demo while facing competition from an NFL preseason game on NFL Network that drew a 0.61 rating.

In terms of total viewers, SmackDown ranked eighth on Friday with the NFL game finishing third, trailing programming on Fox News.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when the show still aired on Fox, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 31.4 percent while its 18-49 rating was down 25 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was up 7.1 percent in overall viewers and 20 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

WWE SmackDown ratings down, ranks first on TV in key demo

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s SummerSlam go-home edition of WWE SmackDown averaged 1.544 million viewers on USA Network, down 3.7 percent from the previous week. It’s the lowest viewership total for the show since July 11.

In the 18-49 demo, SmackDown drew a 0.46 rating. That’s down 4.2 percent from last week but is the second-highest rating the show has done in that category since April 25. SmackDown ranked first on all of television in the key demo, doubling the next highest-rated show which was a rerun of “Happy’s Place” on NBC on a night with no big sports competition.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when the show still aired on Fox, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 29.1 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 23.3 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was up 7.3 percent in overall viewers and 17.9 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

WWE SmackDown ratings up for Hulk Hogan tribute

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s WWE SmackDown episode — featuring a tribute to Hulk Hogan the day after his passing — averaged 1.707 million viewers on USA Network. That’s up 10.4 percent from the previous week and is the best audience total for the show since April 18, which was the night before WrestleMania.

In the 18-49 demo, SmackDown topped all of television with a 0.48 rating. The number is up 6.7 percent from last week and is the highest rating the show has done in that category since April 25, the post-Mania SmackDown.

There was no major sports competition on the night, and SmackDown nearly doubled the next highest-rated show in the key demo, (Celebrity Jeopardy on ABC). SmackDown finished ninth on TV in terms of total viewers in prime time.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when the show still aired on Fox, SmackDown’s overall viewership was down 17.1 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 7.7 percent. The year-over-year numbers are much closer than they have been in any week since the move from Fox back to cable.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was up 22.2 percent in viewers and 26.3 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.