WWE SmackDown Viewership Sees Year-Over-Year Rise, Week-To-Week Drop

WWE SmackDown viewership dipped in the aftermath of SummerSlam.

Wrestlenomics reports that 2.097 million viewers tuned in on August 11. This number is down from last week when 2.248 million viewers tuned in on August 4.

In the 18 to 49 demographic, SmackDown drew a 0.55 rating. This number is also down from last week, when the show scored a 0.62 rating in the same rating.

SmackDown was preempted on some markets due to NFL preseason games; in some places, the show aired out of its timeslot or network.

WWE Smackdown, Friday on Fox:
2,097,000 viewers
P18-49 rating: 0.55
Preempted in some markets for NFL preseason, airing out of its timeslot or network but that viewership is included.
AEW Rampage, Friday on TNT:
398,000 viewers
P18-49 rating: 0.15
? https://t.co/qDSSxyAPtr pic.twitter.com/BHErtlspjQ

— Wrestlenomics (@wrestlenomics) August 14, 2023

Update: WWE SmackDown viewership was up big compared to the August 12, 2022 episode. Per viewership statistics, SmackDown was up 24% in the 18 to 49 demographic, as 720,000 viewers in the demo tuned in on Friday.

#SmackDown saw a big jump in viewership this week (Aug 12, ‘23), compared to last year.
The 18-49 demo was 720K, up 24% vs. last year (Aug 11, ‘22). Total viewership (P2+) was 2.097M, up 9% vs. last year pic.twitter.com/WeQdaLLL9W

— WrestleZone (@WRESTLEZONEcom) August 14, 2023

The P2+ number (2.097 million) marked a 9% increase over the previous year.

However, the week-to-week totals saw a slight drop. This week’s show (2.097M) was lower than the 2.248M SmackDown had on August 4.

What Happened On WWE SmackDown Last Week?

The August 11 episode of WWE SmackDown featured the fallout from SummerSlam. In the opening match, Charlotte Flair and Asuka went to a no-contest when Damage CTRL got involved.

Elsewhere on the show, AJ Styles defeated Karrion Kross. And due to multiple attacks on his knee by champion Austin Theory, Santos Escobar was replaced in the United States Title match with Rey Mysterio. The Master of the 619 went on to defeat Theory and become United States Champion for the third time.

In the closing segment of the show, Jimmy Uso attempted to explain his actions from SummerSlam. Jey Uso then took everyone out and seemingly walked out of WWE.

Sheamus Agrees To Face Edge On 8/18 WWE SmackDown

What did you think of WWE SmackDown last week? What was your favorite match or segment? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.

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