The September 26, 2025, episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown was marked by the exciting return of Jacob Fatu to WWE television—a moment widely anticipated by fans and insiders alike. Despite this major highlight, the show experienced a noticeable decrease in viewership numbers compared to previous weeks, raising concerns about the overall momentum of WWE’s blue brand.
Jacob Fatu’s Return: A Major Spotlight Moment
Jacob Fatu’s reappearance was undoubtedly the centerpiece of the SmackDown episode. Known for his intense in-ring style and unique presence, Fatu’s return was expected to boost interest and potentially reverse any declining viewership trends. According to sources close to WWE creative, the company invested heavily in promoting his comeback in the hopes it would translate into higher live ratings and streaming numbers.
A WWE insider revealed, “Jacob’s return was viewed as a critical moment for SmackDown to energize the fanbase. The talent and production teams were confident it would be a ratings booster, but unfortunately, the numbers didn’t fully reflect that optimism.” This suggests backstage awareness of the show’s ratings challenges despite strong creative efforts.
Viewership Decline: Context and Analysis
While exact figures for SmackDown’s September 26 broadcast have not been publicly detailed, reliable wrestling media tracking indicates a visible drop in audience engagement week-over-week. This is consistent with a broader pattern WWE has faced in 2025, where even notable returns or high-profile matches sometimes fail to generate sustained spikes in viewership.
Recent rating trends show that WWE programming is grappling with a fragmented audience due to shifts in how fans consume content, including increased streaming over traditional TV viewing. For example, WWE Raw’s move exclusively to Netflix earlier this year has shown fluctuating global views, with episodes ranging between approximately 2.6 million and 6.9 million views depending on major storyline developments and star involvement[2][3]. SmackDown, meanwhile, continues on traditional networks, but faces the same challenges attracting stable, large live audiences.
The Broader WWE Ratings Landscape in 2025
This decline in SmackDown’s numbers happens in a context where WWE’s flagship shows are experiencing variable ratings. Monday Night Raw, now streaming on Netflix in the U.S., began 2025 with strong viewership debuts but has seen subtle declines in both hours watched and global viewer rankings over recent months[1][4]. Despite this, Raw still maintains a sizeable viewership base internationally.
SmackDown’s situation differs due to its traditional network distribution, but the show competes against growing entertainment options and changing viewer habits. Industry watchers note that attempts to boost ratings, such as surprise returns or meaningful storyline shifts, often generate only temporary bumps rather than sustained growth.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
With Jacob Fatu already back in action, WWE may need to bolster SmackDown’s appeal through further high-impact storytelling and cross-promotional efforts. Insider reports confirm the company is exploring fresh rivalries and potential appearances by other top-tier talent to keep the momentum alive.
A WWE production official commented anonymously, “Reintroducing fan favorites like Jacob can set the stage, but WWE is aware that keeping viewers engaged requires a consistent and compelling product week in and week out. The feedback loop of exciting content and audience tuning in is critical.”
What This Means for WWE Fans and the Business
SmackDown’s slight ratings dip despite Jacob Fatu’s return underscores an ongoing industry-wide shift. Wrestling programs must now work harder to capture live attention given the rise of alternate streaming platforms, social media highlights, and direct consumer access to content anytime.
For fans, this means WWE is likely to intensify efforts behind the scenes to create must-watch television moments. This could translate into more surprise returns, innovative match types, and even cross-brand interactions aimed at reclaiming audience share.
Business-wise, WWE’s challenge will be balancing star power with storytelling and adapting its broadcast strategies to thrive amidst evolving media consumption patterns. The response to recent changes in Raw’s Netflix-only model and SmackDown’s network-based approach will serve as important indicators for the company’s broader future plans.
In summary, although Jacob Fatu’s return on the September 26 SmackDown was a standout event, it did not prevent a viewership decline for the episode. WWE now faces strategic decisions on how to capitalize on talent comebacks while addressing the larger ratings environment that calls for innovation and audience engagement across platforms. As one insider put it, “The product is strong, but the way fans watch it is changing as fast as the storylines themselves.”