The August 22, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown saw a notable decrease in viewership, drawing 1.258 million viewers on the USA Network, down from 1.43 million the previous week. Despite the drop in total viewers, SmackDown maintained a steady 0.35 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, matching last week’s performance[1][2][5].
SmackDown in Dublin Amid Europe Tour
This episode was broadcast live from Dublin, Ireland, as WWE continues its European tour leading up to the highly anticipated Clash In Paris premium live event on August 31. The international taping provided a fresh atmosphere, featuring a strong card with stars such as John Cena, Logan Paul, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Carmelo Hayes. The show also featured popular tag teams like The Motor City Machine Guns and exciting matches involving The Miz, Piper Niven, Nia Jax, and JC Mateo[1][2].
The European setting offered unique production elements and crowd reactions but may have contributed to the slight ratings dip among U.S. viewers, as time zone differences and competing sports broadcasts affected domestic television numbers.
Fierce Competition From NFL Preseason
One significant factor impacting SmackDown’s viewership was heavy competition from NFL preseason games airing the same night. The Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans game on CBS dominated cable TV with an average of 2.563 million viewers and a superior 0.42 rating in the 18-49 segment, clearly crowding out wrestling’s usual audience[1][2][3].
This intense sports competition has long been a challenge for WWE during NFL preseason season, especially on Friday nights, when SmackDown airs and traditionally draws wrestling’s core fanbase.
Digital Platforms Tell a Different Story
Despite the slight TV viewership dip, WWE’s digital engagement remains robust. Clips from the August 22 SmackDown gained significant traction on YouTube, with John Cena vs. Logan Paul moment—where Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment—topping over 1 million views. Other highly viewed segments featured notable appearances by Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Damian Priest, reflecting strong online interest even if live television audiences waned[1].
Sources close to WWE indicate the company continues to prioritize growing digital content alongside broadcast reach. “The digital arena is where many younger fans engage with WWE now,” a WWE insider explained. “Although the TV numbers dropped slightly due to sports competition, our online content performs exceptionally well and drives long-term fan engagement.”
Long-Term Ratings Outlook for SmackDown
The current decline is part of a broader downward trend since WWE SmackDown moved to USA Network in 2023, with 2025 viewership averaging around 1.49 million per show—significantly lower than 2024’s average of over 2 million when the program aired on FOX[4]. This transition period has seen challenges in retaining the larger audience SmackDown once enjoyed.
Still, WWE’s strategy of international live events, major special events like Clash In Paris, and cross-platform promotion represents an effort to stabilize and reverse these declines. According to industry watchers, the Paris premium live event has generated substantial buzz and may result in a temporary ratings boost for subsequent SmackDown episodes following the event.
Key Takeaways
SmackDown’s August 22 episode drew 1.258 million viewers, down from 1.43 million the week prior, but held steady with a 0.35 rating in the key 18-49 demographic[1][2][5].
The show aired live from Dublin, Ireland, ahead of the Clash In Paris event on August 31, showcasing a stacked card and international atmosphere[1][2].
Heavy competition from the NFL preseason significantly impacted ratings, as an NFL game on CBS pulled in over 2.5 million viewers that night[1][3].
WWE’s digital content, including key moments featuring John Cena and Logan Paul, continues to attract significant online views, offering an important platform beyond traditional TV[1].
SmackDown’s average 2025 viewership remains below 2024 numbers, reflecting ongoing challenges since the move to USA Network[4].
“While the TV numbers aren’t what we hoped, the fan energy and digital engagement in Europe are at an all-time high,” said a WWE source backstage. “The Clash In Paris event will be a major moment for the brand, and we expect the momentum to translate back to the weekly show.”
As WWE looks ahead to its Paris extravaganza and continues international expansion, all eyes will remain on SmackDown’s ratings trajectory to gauge how well the product adapts to the evolving media and sports landscape.