On December 5, 2025, WWE Friday Night SmackDown aired on the USA Network, showcasing notable moments such as GUNTHER clinching victory in the Last Time Is Now tournament. However, despite these highlights, the show’s viewership numbers experienced a decline.
SmackDown drew an average of 1,063,000 viewers, a drop from the 1,142,000 viewers recorded on November 28, 2025, according to Jed I Goodman. Additionally, the key demographic rating for viewers aged 18 to 40 decreased from 0.28 to 0.24.
This episode featured several significant events, including Gunther’s win over L.A. Knight in the tournament finals, setting up an upcoming face-off between John Cena and Gunther on next week’s Saturday Night Main Event. Cody Rhodes also intensified his rivalry with Drew McIntyre, calling for McIntyre’s return following his suspension, among other memorable moments throughout the show.
Here is a summary comparison of SmackDown’s viewership from the past two weeks:
| Metric | November 28, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | Change | % Change |
|————————–|——————-|——————|———|———-|
| Total Number of Viewers | 1,142,000 | 1,063,000 | -79,000 | -6.9% |
| P18-49 Demo Rating | 0.28 | 0.24 | -0.04 | -14.3% |
Ringside News will keep fans updated with the latest viewership statistics and key developments on Friday Night SmackDown as WWE gears up for Saturday Night’s Main Event.
What are your thoughts on the drop in viewership for the latest SmackDown episode? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Fan Take: The decline in viewership is a signal WWE needs to address audience engagement to maintain momentum heading into major events. For fans, this could mean creative shifts and fresh matchups that keep the excitement alive and help grow the sport’s popularity.
