Last Friday night’s WWE Smackdown episode on USA Network, which featured an advertised appearance by John Cena, averaged 1,147,000 viewers. This marked a decrease from the previous week’s 1,258,000 viewers and was significantly lower than the 1,430,000 viewers two weeks earlier, continuing a downward trend as the show approached Memorial Day Weekend. The ten-week rolling average prior to this episode stood at 1,453,000 viewers.
While the holiday weekend partially explains the drop, the decline fits a broader pattern. On July 25, Smackdown drew 1.707 million viewers, meaning last Friday’s audience was more than 550,000 fewer. The Fourth of July episode two months prior attracted 1.116 million viewers, rebounding the following week to 1.399 million, yet still falling short of the 1.450 million seen the week before the holiday.
Key Demographic Ratings Show Steep Decline
The crucial 18-49 age demographic, vital for advertisers, reflected a notable decrease, hitting a 0.28 rating. This was down from 0.35 ratings in the previous two weeks and markedly below the 0.48 ratings on July 25 and August 8. The 0.28 rating was the lowest for this demographic this year, further intensifying concerns about waning viewer engagement.
WWE faces significant pressure to reverse this decline, especially as John Cena’s return was expected to boost viewership. Industry watchers are keenly observing upcoming ratings to determine if the recent drop was a temporary fluctuation or part of a long-term erosion of interest.
Upcoming Show Promises Multiple Star Returns in Chicago
The next episode is slated to feature several big moments, including John Cena’s final appearance in Chicago, the return of C.M. Punk, and Sami Zayn debuting as the new U.S. Champion. Additionally, rumors of possible appearances by A.J. Lee and Brock Lesnar are raising anticipation among fans. These segments aim to bolster audience numbers after recent downturns.
Comparing Ratings Across Recent Years Highlights Significant Drops
One year ago, Smackdown’s episode on Fox drew 2,054,000 viewers, with a ten-week rolling average of 2,204,000. Two years earlier, the viewership was even higher, reaching 2,647,000, and had a ten-week average of 2,237,000. This stark contrast puts the current numbers into perspective.
Ratings within the 18-49 demographic have similarly suffered. Currently registering a 0.28 rating, this figure compares unfavorably to the 0.53 rating a year ago, which carried a ten-week average of 0.61. Two years ago, the rating was 0.78 with a similar ten-week average, underscoring a significant rating erosion over time.
Scheduled Matches and Storylines for Latest Episode
The recent Smackdown episode featured key matches and storylines designed to engage viewers. These included Solo Sikoa defending the United States Championship against Sami Zayn, The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) facing Melo Don’t Miz (Carmelo Hayes and The Miz) in a WWE Tag Team Title No. 1 Contender’s match, and Charlotte Flair teaming with Alexa Bliss to compete for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre).
Additional matches featured Michin versus Kiana James, and John Cena addressing the fallout from Logan Paul’s recent blindside attack, promising drama intended to captivate fans.
“John Cena makes final appearance in Chicago” —WWE Advertising
“C.M. Punk returns to SmackDown” —WWE Advertising
“Sami Zayn returns to Smackdown as new U.S. Champion” —WWE Advertising
“Solo Sikoa vs. Sami Zayn – United States Championship match” —Announced matches
“The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. Melo Don’t Miz (Carmelo Hayes & The Miz) – WWE Tag Team Title No. 1 Contender’s match” —Announced matches
“Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre) – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match” —Announced matches
“Michin vs. Kiana James” —Announced matches
“John Cena to address Logan Paul’s blindside attack” —Announced segments
Outlook for WWE Amid Declining Ratings
The ongoing decline in John Cena WWE Smackdown ratings indicates growing challenges for WWE as it attempts to maintain fan engagement in a competitive entertainment landscape. The drops in both total viewers and the key demographic underscore the network’s urgency to deliver compelling content and star-studded events. The inclusion of multiple returning fan favorites in the coming shows may offer a much-needed boost but will have to translate into sustained viewer interest to reverse the negative trend.
WWE’s ability to retain its audience will likely depend on how well it balances star power with fresh storylines and high-stakes rivalries, as now more than ever, ratings are crucial indicators of the company’s current position and future trajectory.
