The October 3, 2025 episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown was highly anticipated, with significant developments in the storyline involving The Miz and Carmelo Hayes. Despite the excitement, the show’s viewership saw a notable decline, drawing just over one million viewers. This drop comes at a critical time as WWE continues to navigate changes in its broadcast strategy and audience engagement.
Backdrop and Expectations
The buildup to the October 3 episode had all the ingredients for a compelling show. The tension between The Miz and Carmelo Hayes had been simmering for weeks, and fans were eager to see how their relationship would unfold. The episode delivered on this promise, with a dramatic split between the two, culminating in The Miz ambushing Hayes before his match against Sami Zayn. This storyline twist was expected to draw significant attention and potentially boost viewership. However, the actual viewership numbers told a different story.
According to Programming Insider, WWE SmackDown attracted 1.030 million viewers on USA Network, marking a decline from the previous week’s 1.238 million viewers. The demographic ratings also suffered, with a 0.23 rating in the 18-49 age group, down from the previous week’s 0.35 rating[1][2][3].
Competition and Context
The decrease in viewership can be attributed to several factors, including fierce competition from other sports events. The WNBA Finals Game 1 between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces drew a substantial audience of 1.858 million viewers on ESPN, while College Football Scoreboard on ESPN secured 1.218 million viewers[1][3].
“The challenge we face is not just about the quality of our content but also how we compete in a crowded sports landscape,” noted a WWE insider. “We’re constantly looking for ways to engage our audience and stay relevant in an age where viewer habits are changing rapidly.”
Key Segments and Storylines
Despite the viewership decline, the episode featured several memorable moments. Solo Sikoa teased the expansion of the Maximum Male Models (MFT) group, signaling that the faction is far from dissipating. This development could lead to interesting storylines and alliances in the future, potentially sparking more interest among fans.
The YouTube views for the episode’s key segments were encouraging, with the full match between Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed garnering over 1.4 million views. Other popular segments included the contract signing chaos involving Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer, and the tension between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton fueled by Paul Heyman[1].
Future Outlook
As WWE moves forward, there are concerns about maintaining viewership momentum. The shift from FOX to USA Network has been a significant adjustment, and the new Nielsen Big Data + Panel methodology has also impacted how ratings are measured[6]. WWE is averaging a 0.419 demo rating and 1.458 million viewers in 2025, a decline from 2024’s 0.622 rating and 2.207 million viewers on FOX[4].
“Adapting to these changes is crucial,” emphasized a source close to WWE’s creative team. “We’re working hard to ensure our content resonates with both new and existing fans.”
Conclusion
The October 3 episode of WWE SmackDown was a critical moment in the Miz and Hayes storyline, but it failed to translate into increased viewership. As WWE approaches the Crown Jewel event, it will be important to refine storylines and engage audiences more effectively to reverse the current trend. With the right mix of drama and action, SmackDown can regain its momentum and attract a broader audience in the competitive world of professional wrestling.