WWE SmackDown Viewership Plummets to Historic Low on August 29, 2025
Stamford, CT, September 3, 2025 — The August 29, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown on USA Network recorded its lowest non-preempted viewership in the show’s history, drawing just 1.147 million viewers, according to Wrestlenomics and Programming Insider. This marks a 9% decline from the previous week’s 1.258 million and a staggering 21% drop from the four-week average of 1.447 million. The episode, taped in Lyon, France, and aired on a six-hour delay in the U.S., also posted a 0.28 rating in the critical 18-49 demographic, down 20% from the prior week’s 0.35 and 32% below the four-week average of 0.41.
Despite the dismal numbers, SmackDown secured the #2 spot on cable in the 18-49 demographic and #3 overall across cable and network TV, trailing college football broadcasts on ESPN and Fox. The episode faced stiff competition from college football games, including Georgia Tech vs. Colorado (3.483 million viewers on ESPN) and Auburn vs. Baylor (2.832 million viewers on Fox), which likely siphoned viewership, particularly among younger male audiences.
Key Moments from the Episode
Serving as the go-home show for WWE’s Clash in Paris Premium Live Event, the August 29 SmackDown featured significant moments that resonated with fans online. Sami Zayn defeated Solo Sikoa to capture the WWE United States Championship, a highlight that garnered 2.2 million views on WWE’s YouTube channel. Additionally, John Cena addressed a controversial incident from Brussels, issuing an apology to a young fan he had called “toxic,” while Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss competed against Piper Niven and Isla Dawn for the Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Several factors likely contributed to the historic low. The show’s overseas taping and delayed U.S. broadcast may have dampened viewership, as results were available online hours before airing, potentially reducing live tune-ins. Since moving from Fox to USA Network in September 2024, SmackDown has struggled to maintain its previous viewership levels, with August 2025’s average of 1.387 million viewers down 36% from August 2024’s 2.161 million. The 18-49 demographic rating has also fallen 27% year-over-year, from 0.59 to 0.43.
The shift to USA Network, which reaches fewer households than Fox, has been a recurring challenge for SmackDown’s ratings. Additionally, the growing competition from sports programming, particularly the start of the college football season, has intensified pressure on WWE’s Friday night slot.
Industry Context and Outlook
WWE SmackDown’s viewership struggles come amid broader changes in the wrestling landscape. The show’s move to a three-hour format in January 2025, followed by a return to two hours in July, reflects efforts to adapt to audience preferences. Meanwhile, WWE’s YouTube presence remains strong, with key clips driving significant engagement, suggesting that while live TV ratings are down, digital consumption may be offsetting some losses.
As WWE builds toward Clash in Paris, featuring high-profile matches like Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed and a Fatal 4-Way for the World Heavyweight Championship, the company hopes to regain momentum. However, with viewership trends showing a consistent decline since the USA Network transition, WWE may need to explore new strategies to recapture its audience in an increasingly competitive media environment.
For more information, contact WWE Media Relations at media@wwe.com or visit www.wwe.com.