WWE SmackDown Falls To Lowest TV Rating Of 2025, Down 41% Year Over Year (WWE News)

WWE SmackDown's total viewership fell to its lowest level of 2025 last Friday (16 May), drawing an average of 1.29 million viewers across three hours on USA Network.

Per Programming Insider, SmackDown drew a P18-49 rating of 0.36, enough for it to finish fourth on the night in prime time telecasts.

SmackDown declined from the previous week's total viewership of 1.455 million and 0.41 P18-49 rating. 16 May's figures were the brand's lowest since 15 November 2024.

WWE faced heavy competition in the form of a critical NBA playoff game between two big-market teams in the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, which drew 5.726 million viewers on ESPN between 20:09 and 22:40, going head-to-head with SmackDown. This likely explains at least part of the drop-off.

Compared to the same week last year, SmackDown declined 41% in total viewership and 39% in the 18-49 demographic. The show has moved from a broadcast network in FOX to cable channel USA Network since then, making it less accessible and available in fewer homes across the United States.

WWE largely marketed the 16 May SmackDown around a Women's Title match between rivals Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax, two Money in the Bank qualifying Triple Threats in which Solo Sikoa and Alexa Bliss were victorious, and Fraxiom vs. #DIY in the tag division.

Held at the 22,000-seater First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, the episode drew 11,844 live fans, with 12,124 tickets made available (per WrestleTix). WWE has thus far sold 5,930 tickets for this week's SmackDown in Savannah, Georgia.