The August 22 episode of WWE Smackdown, broadcast on USA Network, attracted 1,258,000 viewers, marking a drop from 1,430,000 the previous week and 1,557,000 two weeks earlier. This reflects a current ten-week rolling average of 1,453,000 viewers. The WWE Smackdown viewership ratings report highlights a notable downward trend when compared to previous years.
One year prior, the same week saw audience numbers reach 2,050,000, with a ten-week average of 2,204,000. Two years ago, Smackdown drew 2,647,000 viewers during this week and maintained a ten-week average of 2,237,000, indicating a significant decrease in audience engagement over time.
Audience Ratings in Key Demographic Also Declining
In the crucial 18-49 age demographic, Smackdown recorded a 0.35 rating for the most recent episode, consistent with the rating from the previous week but down from 0.48 two weeks ago. The ten-week rolling average in this demographic now stands at 0.41. By comparison, one year ago, the rating was 0.56 with a ten-week average of 0.63, while two years ago, the episode secured a 0.78 rating and a ten-week average of 0.62.
Key Matches and Highlights from the Latest WWE Smackdown
The recent episode featured several notable matches and segments, including Charlotte Flair facing Piper Niven, and the Motor City Machine Guns, consisting of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, competing against Melo Don’t Miz, which includes Carmelo Hayes and The Miz. The Street Profits, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, battled two members of The MFTs: Talla Tonga and a trio comprising JC Matteo and Tonga Loa. Additional matches featured R-Truth versus Aleister Black, alongside a much-anticipated return of John Cena to Smackdown.
Implications of the Viewership Decline and What to Expect Next
The steady decline in WWE Smackdown’s ratings and key demographic performance suggests challenges in maintaining audience interest amid changing television viewing habits. With prominent wrestlers such as John Cena making return appearances, WWE may seek to recapture viewer engagement. Industry observers, including Wade Keller of PWTorch, continue to monitor these trends closely.
“
You can always reach PWTorch editor Wade Keller at kellerwade@gmail.com. You can also send live event results and news tips to pwtorch@gmail.com. Also, we’re always looking for volunteer contributors to help us round out of coverage of the pro wrestling scene.
” —Wade Keller, PWTorch Editor
As WWE Smackdown works to adapt and bring compelling content to its fanbase, future ratings reports will reveal whether recent efforts are successful in stemming the gradual viewership decline observed over the past two years.
