WWE SmackDown’s October 10, 2025 episode recorded disappointing viewership numbers, marking a new all-time low rating on the USA Network despite notable in-ring moments such as Shinsuke Nakamura’s return. The show drew an average of approximately 1.025 million viewers with a 0.22 rating in the key 18–49 demographic, continuing a downward trend in WWE’s weekly flagship program ratings heading into Crown Jewel 2025.
Viewership Details: Small Decline to Historic Low
According to multiple industry tracking sources, SmackDown’s audience dropped by roughly 0.5% compared to the prior week’s 1.03 million viewers, settling at just over 1.02 million on the USA Network. While the decline may seem marginal, it marks the lowest viewership figure for SmackDown on the USA Network to date and the poorest 18–49 demo rating since 2021. Specifically, the rating in the coveted demographic slipped from 0.23 the week before to 0.22 last Friday. This shift reflects a 4.3% drop in the key audience segment within seven days.
The episode was broadcast live from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, ahead of the upcoming Crown Jewel pay-per-view, but aired on tape delay for U.S. audiences. WWE facilitated international access by streaming the show on Netflix early Friday morning before the delayed USA Network broadcast. Despite efforts to maximize viewership across platforms, the fight against competing primetime sports programming proved challenging.
Significant Competition on Broadcast Night
WWE SmackDown faced stiff head-to-head ratings battles on October 10, competing against major sports events which significantly drew viewers away. The standout competitor was the MLB Divisional Series game between the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers on FOX, which attracted over 8 million viewers and earned a 1.74 rating in the 18–49 demo the highest MLB playoff viewership in 14 years. In addition, WNBA Finals coverage on ESPN and college football on ESPN2 further fragmented the sports audience.
This context is critical because Friday night is increasingly competitive for live viewership, especially for a show like SmackDown that depends on both traditional TV ratings and streaming numbers.
Key Moments Could Not Reverse Decline
Despite the ratings dip, the SmackDown episode featured several marquee moments aimed at energizing fans. The highlight was the return of Shinsuke Nakamura, who appeared to accept Sami Zayn’s U.S. Title Open Challenge, generating buzz among the fanbase. Tampopo Tonga also made his return, arriving for a post-match beatdown with the Monster Fight Team (MFT), leaving fans eagerly anticipating future storylines.
A WWE insider confided, “The creative team is aware the numbers are troubling, but they are hopeful that reintegrating beloved stars like Nakamura and fresh storylines will stabilize viewership as we head toward the big Crown Jewel event. They see this overseas broadcast as an investment in expanding international reach, despite the short-term dip in US ratings.” This sentiment suggests a strategic, longer-term view behind the recent ratings pressure.
Nielsen “Big Data + Panel” Model Criticism
Part of the viewership decline is attributed to changes in how Nielsen measures wrestling ratings using its new “Big Data + Panel” model, which some believe disproportionately impacts WWE. Critics argue this model undercounts live audiences who consume WWE content in non-traditional ways, such as streaming platforms and international broadcasts. Wrestling fans and industry insiders have warned that the new methodology does not fully capture WWE’s complex viewership landscape, leading to seemingly disappointing numbers that may not reflect true audience engagement.
This factor adds nuance to the numbers, suggesting that while the recorded ratings are at a historic low, the actual global fan interest may not be as dire as raw US Nielsen scores indicate.
Implications Ahead of Crown Jewel and WWE’s Programming Strategy
The continuing viewership challenges highlighted by SmackDown’s October 10 episode underscore the broader issues WWE faces in maintaining and growing its weekly television audiences. Wrestling analyst Julius Hart noted, “SmackDown’s ratings woes, while concerning, are not unusual in today’s fragmented media environment, where cable viewers are spread thin across sports and streaming options. WWE’s pivot toward international markets and streaming can partially offset domestic TV declines, but the company cannot afford to ignore these signals if it wants SmackDown to remain a crown jewel of network television.”
WWE is reportedly focusing on bolstering live event attendance and maximizing pay-per-view buys to supplement TV performance. The return of established stars, strategic story arcs, and cross-promotional efforts with platforms like Netflix are part of this multifaceted approach.
Final Thoughts
WWE SmackDown’s October 10, 2025 episode delivered memorable content but struggled to translate star power and overseas presence into strong traditional Nielsen ratings. The historic low in both total viewers and the crucial 18-49 demo reflects challenges posed by competition, measurement methods, and changing viewer habits. Sources within WWE suggest management remains cautiously optimistic and committed to evolving SmackDown’s product and distribution to meet the demands of a global, multi-platform audience.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if upcoming episodes and Crown Jewel pay-per-view performances can reverse this downward trajectory or signal a need for deeper changes in WWE’s broadcast strategy.