WWE SmackDown Crosses 2 Million Viewership for the First Time in Last 70 Weeks

As predicted earlier, the return to live shows looks highly beneficial for WWE. With the go-home edition of SmackDown airing with a live crowd, the viewership records are through the roof.

The first live SmackDown in 70 weeks featured some great matches including a guest appearance of Vince McMahon, a Tag team match between Roman Reigns and The Usos vs Edge and The Mysterios.

The MITB ladder match contenders from SmackDown engaged in a fatal four-way match. There was a SmackDown Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and Carmella. Finn Balor returned to the main roster of SmackDown after 2 years.

With all this in mind, last Friday’s SmackDown drew an average of 2.185 million viewers in the overnight ratings, according to SpoilerTV. Hour one drew 2.221 million viewers and hour two went down to 2.148 million viewers.

SmackDown drew an average of 0.6 ratings in the 18-49 demographic, number one for the night. This is up 16.2% since last week. WWE’s final SmackDown show in ThunderDome drew an average of 1.881 million viewers with a 0.45 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

The final ratings will be out on Monday.

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WWE SmackDown leveled up before Money in the Bank

As we mentioned earlier, SmackDown indeed put on a stellar show ahead of MITB. It has been praised by both critics and fans alike hence the rating is not shocking.

With Roman Reigns at the helm, SmackDown has uplifted itself from the secondary show. Millions of fans are tuning in to see the latest developments in the storyline.

Ahead of MITB, Big E looks strong as ever to win the coveted contract. Finn Balor’s return is a good addition to the roster as well. New female talents like Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart are gaining momentum after defeating the Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya and Tamina.

Now, WWE RAW has to step up to match with SmackDown. Their three-hour-long show often falls flat with the lack of interest and storyline. For next week, Goldberg happens to return.

What is your take on the SmackDown live? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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