The road to the Royal Rumble saw a significant boost in viewership for WWE SmackDown on , according to recent data. The episode, which aired on USA Network, drew 1.26 million viewers, marking a substantial increase from the broadcast’s 943,000 viewers.
This surge in viewership comes as WWE builds momentum towards its premier pay-per-view event. The January 30th SmackDown served as the final televised episode before the Royal Rumble, and the increased audience numbers suggest a heightened level of fan engagement as storylines intensify.
Beyond the overall viewership jump, SmackDown also saw improvement in a key demographic. The show achieved a 0.29 rating among viewers aged 18-49, up from the 0.22 rating recorded the previous week. This indicates a growing interest among the demographic most valued by advertisers and a crucial indicator of the show’s long-term health.
The episode featured several key segments that resonated with fans, both on television and online. A confrontation involving Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Jey Uso against The Vision proved particularly popular, garnering 1.2 million views on WWE’s YouTube channel. This segment likely fueled anticipation for potential Royal Rumble matchups and further developed ongoing feuds.
Another well-received moment involved Stephanie Vaquer assisting Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair in a victory over Judgment Day, attracting 461,000 views. This storyline continues to build intrigue around the women’s division and the potential for unexpected alliances and rivalries leading into the Royal Rumble.
Further adding to the night’s highlights, Jacob Fatu’s attack on Drew McIntyre generated 375,000 views, signaling a potential new direction for McIntyre’s storyline. A subsequent confrontation between Judgment Day, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss drew 309,000 views, demonstrating continued interest in the ongoing conflict between these factions.
The digital engagement numbers underscore the effectiveness of SmackDown’s storytelling in capturing and maintaining audience attention. WWE successfully leveraged its online platforms to amplify key moments from the show and drive further viewership.
The most-watched videos from the episode, as reported by Wrestling Attitude, are as follows:
- FULL SEGMENT: Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn & Jey Uso oppose Vision (1.2 million views)
- Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Jey Uso & Sami Zayn vs. The Vision (494,000 views)
- Stephanie Vaquer helps Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair beat Judgment Day (461,000 views)
- Jacob Fatu attacks Drew McIntyre (375,000 views)
- The Judgment Day confront Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss (309,000 views)
With the Royal Rumble now just days away, WWE appears to be entering the event with significant momentum. The increased viewership and digital engagement surrounding SmackDown suggest a strong level of fan anticipation and a potentially successful premium live event.
The January 30th episode of SmackDown, featuring Bron Breakker’s verbal confrontation with Rhodes and Zayn, as reported by Sports Illustrated, clearly served its purpose in building anticipation for the Royal Rumble. The increased viewership numbers demonstrate that the storylines are resonating with fans and driving them to tune in.
The success of SmackDown’s January 30th broadcast is a positive sign for WWE as it heads into one of its biggest events of the year. The combination of compelling storylines, strong in-ring action, and effective digital promotion has clearly paid dividends in terms of audience engagement.
