WWE SmackDown Viewership: 2025 Lows & Slight Rise | News & Results
WWE SmackDown viewership saw a modest uptick on May 24, but the episode still ranks among the lowest-watched of 2025.The show’s 18-49 demographic took a hit, marking its lowest rating since November 2024. competition from other sports broadcasts, like the NBA and NHL playoffs, impacted the audience numbers. The move from FOX to cable has significantly affected year-over-year ratings, with decreases in both total viewership and the key demographic. News Directory 3 has the full breakdown. How will WWE adjust its programming to boost these WWE SmackDown ratings? Discover what’s next.
WWE SmackDown Ratings Increase, but Remain Among year’s Lowest
Updated May 28, 2025
WWE SmackDown experienced a slight increase in viewership this past Friday, yet the numbers remain among the lowest of the year. The May 24 episode drew an average of 1.383 million viewers on USA Network, a 7.2 percent rise from the previous week. Despite this increase, it still holds the spot as the third-lowest audience in 2025 for the show.
The WWE SmackDown show also faced challenges in the 18-49 demographic, achieving a 0.33 rating. This represents an 8.3 percent decrease from the week prior, marking its lowest performance in this category as November 15, 2024.
Competition from other sports broadcasts played a role. NBA Western Conference Finals coverage on TNT lead cable programming with a 1.83 demo rating and 5.839 million viewers. ESPN’s NHL Western conference Finals game also drew a meaningful audience, with a 0.40 rating and 1.398 million viewers.
Year-over-year data reveals the impact of the shift from FOX to cable. The total audience for WWE SmackDown was down 35.6 percent compared to the same week in 2024, while the 18-49 rating saw a 41.1 percent decrease. The WWE is working hard to improve its WWE SmackDown ratings and overall viewership.
What’s next
WWE will likely continue to adjust its programming and marketing strategies to boost viewership and compete effectively in the current media landscape. The company will focus on key demographics to improve its WWE SmackDown ratings.