As previously reported, the viewership numbers for last week’s WWE SmackDown reached a four-year low, recording a rating of 0.23 in the key 18-49 demographic. Additionally, the total audience declined by 16.8% compared to the previous week, with only 1.030 million viewers. These figures were measured using the new, highly controversial Nielsen TV ratings system known as the “Big Data + Panel” method.
According to Dave Meltzer on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, the lower viewership and ratings for Friday Night SmackDown under the new Nielsen measurement system are causing some panic and concern for both WWE and AEW. Officials from both companies, along with their broadcast partners, are likely unhappy, especially considering that AEW Dynamite and Collision have also experienced lower-than-usual ratings under this new system. In fact, their numbers were even worse than those reported under the old system last week.
Meltzer also pointed out that these developments could negatively impact WWE’s relationship with the USA Network, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, especially given the significant investment the network is making in SmackDown. While it is unlikely that the show will be canceled, the financial situation appears troubling. The same concerns apply to AEW and its broadcast partner, Warner Bros. Discovery, which is paying to air Dynamite on TBS and Collision on TNT.
Furthermore, Meltzer indicated that the updated ratings under the new Nielsen measurement will be the basis for judging advertising rates and revenue. This could explain why executives in both WWE and AEW are anxious about the latest SmackDown ratings. He also emphasized that these new numbers are critical for the wrestling industry, as they will influence future decisions.
