WWE Smackdown recently hit a low point on the US network, drawing just 1,290,000 viewers, a 12% drop in the key 18-49 age group. Although the show saw a slight rebound this past Friday with an average of 1,383,000 viewers and a 0.33 rating in the demographic, the increase was modest and the 18-49 rating fell to its lowest since mid-November. Compared to last year, Smackdown’s viewership has plummeted by 37%, and the 18-49 demo is down 38% since May 2024, illustrating ongoing struggles to match the audience levels from its Fox days on the USA Network.
Despite tough competition from sports events like the NBA Eastern Conference game (5.8 million viewers) and the NHL Western Conference game, Smackdown still ranked fourth in the 18-49 demographic on cable Friday night. Additionally, Wrestletix reported 6,792 tickets sold for the live show. With star power returning in the form of Cody Rhodes and new storylines like the Horizon Banks, there is hope that Smackdown will regain traction and boost its ratings as summer approaches.
Fan Take: This dip in Smackdown’s viewership highlights the challenges WWE faces in adapting its product to stay relevant in a crowded entertainment landscape. For fans, it’s a critical moment that could lead to fresh storytelling and exciting returns, which are essential for the brand’s revival and long-term success.
