WWE pulled out the big guns—John Cena and Cody Rhodes—to boost SmackDown’s ratings. But despite their star power, the numbers remain stagnant. The May 30 episode drew 1.383 million viewers, identical to the previous week . Even with Cena and Rhodes in the spotlight, the show isn’t gaining traction.
This isn’t just a one-week issue. SmackDown’s average viewership has dropped by 37% compared to last year, and the key 18-49 demographic is down by 38% . The decline suggests that even marquee names can’t reverse the trend.
The Move to USA Network: A Step Backward?
SmackDown’s transition from FOX to USA Network in October 2024 was significant. While the deal was lucrative, it reduced the show’s reach. FOX’s broader audience provided higher visibility, which USA Network can’t match.
The shift also coincided with a drop in viewership. Episodes that once drew over 2 million viewers are now struggling to maintain 1.4 million. The change in network seems to have contributed to the decline.
Creative Stagnation: Where’s the Excitement?
Fans are voicing concerns about SmackDown’s creative direction. Post-WrestleMania 40, the show’s pacing has slowed, and storylines lack the excitement that once kept viewers engaged.
The feud between Cena and Rhodes, expected to be a highlight, hasn’t delivered. Their WrestleMania 41 match received a low rating of 1.75 stars from Dave Meltzer, indicating a lackluster performance.
Competition and Scheduling: External Factors at Play
SmackDown’s ratings are also affected by external competition. The show often airs opposite major sporting events, such as NBA playoff games, which draw significant viewership.
Additionally, the decision to extend SmackDown to three hours in January 2025 may have backfired. Longer episodes can lead to viewer fatigue, especially if the content doesn’t justify the extended runtime .
SmackDown Viewership and Ratings: A 10-Week Snapshot
Here’s a look at SmackDown’s performance over the past ten weeks:
| Date | Viewership (Millions) | 18-49 Demo Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3/28/2025 | 1.350 | 0.31 |
| 4/4/2025 | 1.578 | 0.38 |
| 4/11/2025 | 1.551 | 0.36 |
| 4/18/2025 | 1.741 | 0.45 |
| 4/25/2025 | 1.599 | 0.42 |
| 5/2/2025 | 1.406 | 0.39 |
| 5/9/2025 | 1.455 | 0.41 |
| 5/16/2025 | 1.290 | 0.36 |
| 5/23/2025 | 1.383 | 0.33 |
| 5/30/2025 | 1.383 | 0.34 |
The data shows a fluctuating but generally declining trend in both viewership and key demographic ratings.
Conclusion: Time for a New Game Plan
SmackDown’s current strategy isn’t yielding the desired results. Relying on big names like Cena and Rhodes isn’t enough to sustain or grow the audience. The show needs a creative overhaul, better scheduling, and perhaps a reevaluation of its format to regain its former glory.