Viewership Decline for October 24 SmackDown
The October 24, 2025 episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on USA Network delivered an episode packed with action, including the highly anticipated in-ring heel turn of Jade Cargill. Yet, despite the high-profile storyline developments, the broadcast attracted 1,147,000 viewers, a notable dip from previous weeks, with a 0.29 rating in the crucial P18-49 demographic[4]. This figure, while respectable, suggests that even marquee talent shifts might not be enough to reverse broader audience trends in the current television environment.
Industry analysts note that while fan interest remains strong on social media, translating digital engagement into viewership remains a challenge for WWE as cable, cord-cutting, and streaming habits evolve[4].
Cargill’s Heel Turn: Impact and Reaction
The centerpiece of the night was former AEW powerhouse Jade Cargill finally embracing villainy by attacking Bayley after weeks of tension. Cargill’s turn was executed with precision, as she blindsided Bayley with a vicious K.O.D. (Kiss of Death) on the entrance ramp, signaling a seismic shift in the SmackDown women’s division.
A WWE source, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked: “Management had big expectations for this moment. Jade’s charisma is off the charts, and they hope she can be the cornerstone of SmackDown’s top storylines moving forward.” However, the insider also cautioned that, “While the crowd at the arena was electric, there’s a sense backstage that the TV audience needs more time to connect with Jade as a heel.”
Other Notable Moments and Matches
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre Showcase Star Power
Not to be overshadowed, the blue brand featured prominent appearances from Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, both of whom engaged in heated promos that set up future championship matches. Both have been instrumental in recent ratings successes, but even their presence couldn’t drive viewers back to previous highs.
Ilja Dragunov’s Open Challenge
The reigning United States Champion, Ilja Dragunov, held an open challenge, which was accepted by an electrifying newcomer—whose identity will remain kept under wraps to avoid spoilers. The match was a technical showcase, earning praise from live audiences and online reviewers alike[1].
Tag Team Turmoil
Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura joined forces to face off against the upstart MFTs (Miz and the Family), culminating in a chaotic and crowd-pleasing encounter. The post-match brawl left fans speculating about long-term storylines for both teams.
Kiana James vs. Tiffany Stratton
The women’s division saw another marquee matchup as Kiana James battled Tiffany Stratton. Both rising stars demonstrated why SmackDown’s women’s roster is among the deepest in company history, with James eking out a narrow victory.
Analyzing the Viewership Drop
Industry observers point to several possible factors affecting SmackDown’s October 24 numbers. While the demographic score was solid, the overall audience was down—a trend also seen in other wrestling promotions like AEW, which similarly experienced a drop for Collision on October 25[5]. The increasingly fragmented TV market, competition from sports and entertainment alternatives, and the rise of peacock-streamed WWE content may all play roles.
WhatCulture’s wrestling podcast preview noted that while big moments like Cargill’s turn are buzzworthy, long-term audience retention requires consistent storytelling and character investment—something WWE is aggressively pursuing but which hasn’t yet stabilized 2025’s erratic ratings pattern[3].
What’s Next for SmackDown and Cargill?
With the Survivor Series and Royal Rumble on the horizon, WWE is banking on Jade Cargill’s new character direction to spark ongoing interest. Her feud with Bayley is expected to headline future SmackDown episodes, with creative plans reportedly in place to evolve the storyline in unexpected ways.
A source close to the Women’s Division creative team indicated: “We’re excited to see how Jade connects as a villain. The plan is to give her meaningful, character-driven conflict, not just big spots. If she clicks, the hope is she’ll anchor our top storylines for years to come.”
Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s divisions continue to feature a mix of proven stars and fresh talent, suggesting WWE is committed to both maintaining its current fanbase and building toward the future.
SEO-Optimized Takeaways
- Jade Cargill’s First WWE Heel Turn: A focal point for promotional efforts and fan discussion, marking a bold new direction for the rising superstar.
- Star-Power Appearances: Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Ilja Dragunov, and Tiffany Stratton all made memorable contributions, underscoring SmackDown’s talent depth.
- Viewership Insights: Despite a strong lineup and major storyline twists, SmackDown’s live viewership on cable slipped to 1,147,000, with a 0.29 rating in the P18-49 demographic[4].
- Industry Context: WWE’s ratings challenges mirror broader industry trends, with all wrestling promotions facing shifting viewing habits and intense competition.
- Future Outlook: WWE is investing in long-term character arcs and fresh matchups, hoping to stabilize and grow its audience as the road to WrestleMania 42 begins.
Conclusion
The October 24, 2025 edition of SmackDown delivered a show packed with memorable moments, highlighted by Jade Cargill’s much-discussed heel turn. However, the episode’s live cable viewership decline illustrates the ongoing battle WWE faces in converting digital buzz into traditional ratings[4].
Behind the scenes, management remains bullish on Cargill’s potential and is doubling down on long-term storytelling to build audience investment. As the wrestling world heads toward the season’s biggest events, all eyes will be on whether these creative bets pay off in the ratings—and whether SmackDown can recapture its previous momentum.