The September 26, 2025, episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown delivered a significant moment with the return of Jacob Fatu, a highly anticipated event that had fans buzzing. However, despite this spotlight, SmackDown’s television ratings suffered a noteworthy dip compared to previous weeks, raising concerns among WWE officials and fans alike about the show’s ongoing viewership trends.
Jacob Fatu’s Return: A Major Highlight
Jacob Fatu’s reappearance on SmackDown after a prolonged absence was championed as a game-changing moment for the blue brand. Fatu, known for his explosive in-ring style and magnetic charisma, was poised to inject fresh energy into the roster and ignite new storylines. His comeback segment garnered substantial social media attention and was lauded by wrestling analysts as a key booking decision aimed at revitalizing interest.
According to sources close to WWE creative, the decision to bring Fatu back at this juncture was strategic. “The plan has always been to leverage Jacob’s star power to bolster SmackDown’s excitement going into the fall season,” shared a WWE insider who requested anonymity. “His return was designed to be a catalyst, an adrenaline shot for the show that everyone hopes will translate into bigger ratings next week.”
Viewership Numbers Show a Decline
Despite the buzz surrounding Fatu’s return, SmackDown’s viewership for the September 26 episode declined from prior weeks. The show averaged approximately 1.12 million viewers on the USA Network, down from the 1.23 million average it drew the previous week. This drop continues a recent downward trend for the Friday night program, which has been struggling to maintain consistent, strong ratings since mid-2025.
Industry analysts note that while the Fatu return was a highlight, it did not have the intended impact on reversing the ratings slump. Factors such as competing sports broadcasts and changing viewer habits around streaming may have contributed to the dip. “It’s a crowded entertainment landscape,” explained wrestling journalist Michael Reynolds. “Even significant moments like Jacob Fatu coming back can get lost if the broader audience isn’t fully engaged or if external programming offers stiff competition.”
Challenges Facing WWE SmackDown Ratings
SmackDown’s ratings challenges are part of a larger issue confronting WWE’s weekly shows in 2025. While WWE Raw continues to hold relatively steady — buoyed by its strong Netflix streaming platform presence with global views consistently in the mid-2 to 3 million range weekly — SmackDown’s traditional live TV audience has been more volatile.
Several industry insiders speculate that the change in SmackDown’s broadcast schedule and platform transitions may be impacting long-term viewership. Additionally, the rise of AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights and other competing wrestling content has splintered the wrestling fanbase more than in previous years.
A WWE internal source remarked on the situation: “We recognize SmackDown’s challenges. The company is actively brainstorming ways to make the show more compelling, including more star-power returns, unique match formats, and integration with digital content to capture younger viewers.”
The Road Ahead for SmackDown
With Jacob Fatu’s return as a key piece in WWE’s strategy, the weeks following September 26 will be closely watched. WWE hopes that his presence will help bolster storylines and reclaim some of the lost viewership. Plans to deepen Fatu’s on-screen involvement and align him against top SmackDown stars are reportedly in the pipeline.
Moreover, WWE is expected to emphasize cross-promotional efforts combining SmackDown’s TV presence with its increasingly influential digital and streaming platforms. These efforts aim to convert casual viewers into regular fans and create a more interconnected viewing experience.
Conclusion
The September 26 edition of WWE SmackDown featured a monumental moment with Jacob Fatu’s return, yet the episode suffered a decline in viewership numbers, continuing a trend that concerns WWE executives. With evolving viewer habits and competition from other wrestling shows, maintaining strong ratings remains a complex challenge. However, insiders remain hopeful that strategic booking decisions and integrated content approaches will revitalize SmackDown’s appeal in the near future.
“Jacob’s return is just the start,” the insider added. “WWE isn’t giving up on SmackDown — there’s a lot more excitement coming soon.”
This juncture represents a pivotal moment for WWE SmackDown as it navigates the balancing act of honoring fan expectations and adapting to the ever-changing media landscape. The wrestling community will be watching closely to see if these efforts can turn the tide.