WWE SmackDown’s October 3, 2025 episode saw a notable decrease in viewership following the highly anticipated breakup of The Miz and Carmelo Hayes. Despite the buzz around their split, the show drew 1.03 million viewers, down from 1.238 million the previous week — a decline that has sparked discussion among wrestling insiders and fans alike.
Viewership Numbers and Demographic Impact
According to Programming Insider, the October 3 SmackDown episode averaged 1.03 million viewers on USA Network, representing a drop of nearly 17% compared to September 26’s 1.238 million viewership[1][2][3]. The show also slipped to a 0.23 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, down from 0.35 the week prior. This decline places SmackDown third on cable for the night, behind sports programming such as the WNBA Finals Game 1 and College Football Scoreboard airing on ESPN.
This dip is noteworthy as SmackDown has been struggling to maintain consistent viewership since moving to USA Network in early 2024 and adapting to Nielsen’s new “Big Data + Panel” measurement methodology introduced in Q4 2025 — a system many say has been less favorable to wrestling content[1][6].
The Miz and Carmelo Hayes Split: A Double-Edged Sword?
The long-teased breakup between The Miz and Carmelo Hayes finally unfolded during the episode, marking a pivotal moment for both superstars. The storyline climax included an intense ambush by The Miz on Hayes, a turning point eagerly anticipated by fans and featured prominently in top-viewed clips on YouTube — “The Miz ambushes Carmelo Hayes” video garnered 464,000 views, highlighting strong online interest[1].
Behind the scenes, sources close to WWE admit that while the storyline had strong potential, the timing and execution may have contributed to the ratings drop. “There was hope the breakup would boost live tune-in, but the fragmented wrestling audience and stiff competition from sports left the segment struggling to hold a broader mainstream viewership,” a WWE insider revealed.
Top Moments Driving Online Engagement
Despite lower live audience numbers, digital platforms showcased significant engagement with key moments from the show. According to YouTube viewership data for the week, the most popular SmackDown videos were:
- Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed — 1.4 million views
- Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer’s contract signing chaos — 482K views
- Paul Heyman stirring tension between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton — 469K views
- The Miz’s ambush on Carmelo Hayes — 464K views
- Damian Priest helping Sami Zayn defeat Aleister Black — 427K views[1]
These figures suggest strong interest in character-driven storylines and high-profile matches, even if the overall live numbers slipped.
Context: SmackDown’s Ratings Challenges in 2025
The October 3 episode’s drop reflects a broader trend for WWE SmackDown in 2025. Year-to-date, the show is averaging roughly 1.46 million viewers, down significantly from the average 2.2 million viewership it garnered in 2024 when it aired on FOX[4]. Ratings and demo scores have progressively declined, prompting WWE and USA Network to reconsider promotional strategies, content pacing, and storytelling approaches.
A wrestling programming analyst notes, “The Big Data + Panel methodology is just one factor. WWE’s shift to streaming, evolving viewer habits, and sports competition all influence SmackDown’s current ratings climate. Wrestling remains a niche live TV product compared to big mainstream sports.”
What’s Next for The Miz, Carmelo Hayes, and SmackDown?
The Miz and Carmelo Hayes’s breakup sets the stage for fresh rivalries and character development moving forward. Industry insiders suggest WWE is banking on this developing feud to recapture some of the lost viewership momentum.
“Expect intense promos and high-stakes matches as these two carve out new directions,” a source close to WWE creative noted. “The key will be keeping fans engaged week after week amid stiff competition.”
Meanwhile, WWE is reportedly exploring ways to bolster SmackDown’s appeal amidst ratings challenges, including more cross-brand appearances and leveraging emerging stars.
Final Thoughts
While WWE SmackDown’s October 3 episode did not capitalize on the buzz from The Miz and Carmelo Hayes’s breakup in live TV ratings, it generated solid digital engagement, confirming wrestling’s evolving audience consumption. The decline to just over one million viewers serves as a reminder of the complex landscape WWE faces balancing traditional broadcast metrics with online and streaming engagement.
Insiders remain cautiously optimistic that SmackDown can stabilize and grow its audience by blending compelling narratives like the Miz-Hayes fallout and innovative content delivery.
For comprehensive weekly SmackDown reviews and analysis, stay tuned to industry podcasts and wrestling news outlets.