The September 26, 2025 episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown delivered notable moments, including the much-anticipated return of Jacob Fatu to WWE television. However, despite the buzz surrounding this major comeback, SmackDown’s viewership experienced a decline compared to previous weeks, reflecting ongoing challenges in WWE’s weekly television ratings.
Jacob Fatu Returns to WWE Spotlight
Jacob Fatu’s return to SmackDown on September 26 was a highlight that energized fans and the roster alike. Fatu, widely regarded for his intense presence and dominance in wrestling circles, made an immediate impact with a strong in-ring showing that set the tone for high-stakes storylines moving forward. According to sources close to WWE, his comeback was planned strategically to boost interest in SmackDown amidst stiff competition from other wrestling shows and entertainment options.
“Bringing Jacob back was a calculated move. The company sees him as a pivotal figure in revitalizing SmackDown’s appeal,” a WWE insider revealed. “They’re banking on his hard-hitting style and charisma to ignite new rivalries and fresh narratives.”
Viewership Trends: A Decline Despite Star Power
Even with Fatu’s return generating backstage excitement, the episode’s overall viewership numbers trended downward. Television and streaming metrics indicate that the September 26 broadcast did not meet the expected ratings boost. This mirrors a broader pattern WWE has faced through 2025, as weekly shows like Raw and SmackDown wrestle with fluctuating audience sizes despite star-studded lineups.
Industry analysts point out that WWE’s traditional TV ratings have been impacted by changing viewer habits, including the rise of streaming platforms and shifting timeslots. For instance, Monday Night Raw’s transition to Netflix earlier in the year resulted in mixed viewership dynamics, with peaks around major events but steady declines during regular weeks[2][4].
A WWE television executive commented on the complexity of these trends: “It’s not just about who is on the show but how audiences consume content today. We’re exploring ways to enhance engagement beyond just the television screen, including integrating digital and social media experiences.”
Broader Context: WWE Ratings in 2025
WWE’s viewership numbers for 2025 reveal a competitive landscape. While marquee pay-per-view events like the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania still draw significant attention (with Royal Rumble topping 3 million viewers internationally on Netflix), weekly shows struggle to consistently capture large audiences[2]. Raw’s performance on Netflix has been relatively stable but with gradual declines in total hours viewed, indicating a passionate yet fluctuating fan base[1][3].
SmackDown, broadcast traditionally on Fox, faces unique challenges competing against other prime-time programming. The September 26 dip may reflect these external pressures rather than a lack of interest in the product itself.
Future Prospects: Leveraging Talent and Storylines
WWE’s response to this ratings dip includes continued investment in high-profile returns and storyline developments. The successful reintegration of Jacob Fatu could herald new faction rivalries and main-event picture shakeups that reignite fan interest.
One backstage source hinted: “Expect Fatu to be woven into the top storylines. WWE wants SmackDown to feel dynamic and unpredictable. The creative team is doubling down on big moments to bring fans back week after week.”
Additionally, WWE has been experimenting with cross-brand interactions and special events that could enhance SmackDown’s profile. The company’s broader strategy appears focused on balancing star power with innovative storytelling to adapt to evolving viewing habits.
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WWE’s battle for loyal viewers is emblematic of larger shifts in entertainment consumption. While Jacob Fatu’s return added significant energy and promise, the September 26 SmackDown’s ratings dip underscores ongoing hurdles the promotion faces in capturing and maintaining a broad audience. Wrestling fans and industry watchers will be keenly observing how WWE leverages talent and storytelling to reverse this trend in the coming months.