After a holiday hiatus, WWE SmackDown made its highly-anticipated return to television on January 2nd, delivering a three-hour extravaganza that saw a slight increase in viewership. In this report, we’ll break down the ratings and delve into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that could be contributing to this upward trend.
A Slight Increase in Viewership
According to a report by Nielsen Media Research, WWE SmackDown drew a total of 2.35 million viewers this week, a modest increase of 6% from its previous episode before the holiday break. This marks a significant improvement over the weeks leading up to the hiatus, which saw viewership numbers dip to a low of 2.14 million.
While the numbers may not be spectacular, WWE officials are likely breathing a sigh of relief as the brand looks to regain momentum in the new year. Sources close to WWE’s programming department suggest that the three-hour format has been a major factor in the slight uptick in viewership.
Competition and the Impact of the NFL
One of the key factors contributing to the slight increase in viewership is the reduced competition from the National Football League (NFL). With the NFL’s Wild Card Round dominating the sports landscape, viewership for other sports-related programming, including WWE, tends to take a hit. However, with the NFL’s playoff schedule in full swing, WWE SmackDown benefited from a relatively clearer television landscape.
According to a WWE insider, the brand’s decision to return to a three-hour format has paid dividends in terms of viewer engagement. “We wanted to give our audience more content, and it seems like that’s exactly what they’re looking for,” said the source. “The extra hour of programming has allowed us to delve deeper into our storylines and give fans more of what they love – action, drama, and excitement.”
A Strong Main Event and a Potential Shift in the Landscape
This week’s episode of SmackDown featured a highly anticipated matchup between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens, which saw Reigns emerge victorious. The bout was heavily promoted in the lead-up to the episode and served as a strong foundation for the rest of the program.
Sources close to the match suggest that WWE is exploring the possibility of a potential shift in the landscape, with Owens poised to make a major push for the top title. “Kevin’s been on a roll lately, and we’re excited to see where this momentum takes him,” said an insider. “Roman’s still the top dog, but Owens has the potential to become a serious contender – and that’s exactly what we want to see.”
A Strong Start to the New Year
While WWE SmackDown’s viewership numbers may not be astronomical, the brand’s decision to return to a three-hour format seems to have paid off in terms of viewer engagement. With a strong main event and a potential shift in the landscape, WWE is poised to make a major push in the new year.
As the brand continues to navigate the ever-changing television landscape, one thing is clear – WWE SmackDown is back, and it’s here to stay. With a renewed focus on storytelling and a commitment to delivering high-quality content, WWE is poised to make a major impact in the world of professional wrestling.
What’s Next for WWE SmackDown?
As WWE SmackDown continues to push forward in the new year, fans can expect a number of exciting developments in the coming weeks. With a strong main event and a potential shift in the landscape, WWE is poised to make a major push for the top title.
According to a WWE insider, the brand is currently exploring a number of possibilities, including a potential showdown between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens for the top title. “We’re excited to see where this momentum takes us,” said the source. “The possibilities are endless, and we’re committed to delivering the best possible content for our fans.”
As WWE SmackDown continues to push forward in the new year, one thing is clear – the possibilities are endless, and the future is bright for this exciting brand.