A Mixed Bag for Friday Night SmackDown
The January 23 episode of WWE SmackDown failed to cross the one million viewer threshold once again, but the blue brand still managed to hold its own on cable television. According to Nielsen Media Research, the show averaged 934,000 viewers, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous week’s episode.
TV Ratings See Significant Drop
While the viewership numbers may not be where the WWE would like them to be, the cable TV ratings for SmackDown are where the blue brand really excelled. The show drew a 0.24 rating in the 18-49 demographic, which is a significant drop from the 0.31 rating of the previous week. However, considering the competition on the night, which included an NBA game on ESPN and a college basketball game on CBS, the WWE can take some solace in the fact that SmackDown was the top-rated show on cable TV in the 18-49 demographic.
Cable TV Dominance
SmackDown’s cable TV dominance is a testament to the show’s enduring popularity among fans. The blue brand has consistently been one of the top-rated shows on cable TV, and this week was no exception. While the viewership numbers may be down, the show’s ability to attract a dedicated audience on cable TV is a positive sign for the WWE.
Backstage Reaction
According to a WWE insider, the drop in viewership numbers was not unexpected. “We knew we had a tough week ahead of us with the NBA and college basketball games on the schedule,” the source said. “However, we’re proud of the fact that SmackDown was still the top-rated show on cable TV in the 18-49 demographic. We’re going to keep pushing the envelope and trying to come up with new and creative ways to engage our audience.”
Impact of Cody Rhodes’ Injury
The absence of Cody Rhodes from the show due to injury may have also had an impact on viewership numbers. Rhodes has been one of the top performers on the SmackDown roster in recent weeks, and his absence may have been a factor in the drop in viewership. However, according to sources close to the wrestler, Rhodes is expected to return to action soon, and his absence will only be temporary.
Looking Ahead
Despite the drop in viewership numbers, the WWE is still optimistic about the future of SmackDown. The show has a strong roster of talent, and the blue brand has a loyal fan base. With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, fans can expect a lot of exciting matches and storylines to unfold on SmackDown in the coming weeks. The WWE may not have reached one million viewers this week, but they’re confident that they can turn things around and get back on track soon.
Conclusion
While the viewership numbers for SmackDown may not be where the WWE would like them to be, the show’s ability to dominate on cable TV is a testament to its enduring popularity. With a strong roster of talent and a loyal fan base, the blue brand is well-positioned to overcome any challenges it may face in the coming weeks. As the Royal Rumble approaches, fans can expect a lot of exciting matches and storylines to unfold on SmackDown, and the WWE is confident that they can turn things around and get back on track soon.
Table of Viewership and Ratings
| Episode | Viewers (000) | 18-49 Rating | 18-49 Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 23, 2026 | 934 | 0.24 | 1.0 |
| January 16, 2026 | 974 | 0.31 | 1.2 |
| January 9, 2026 | 962 | 0.28 | 1.1 |
| January 2, 2026 | 932 | 0.25 | 1.0 |
Note: Viewership and ratings numbers are based on Nielsen Media Research and are subject to change.