A Turnaround in Viewership for WWE’s Flagship Show
The December 26, 2025 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network has been hailed as a game-changer for the blue brand, following a historic moment that saw Carmelo Hayes claim the WWE United States Title. According to Nielsen Media Research, the show saw a notable increase in viewership, a refreshing change of pace for the flagship program.
Carmelo Hayes’ Moment of Glory
The night belonged to Carmelo Hayes, who etched his name in the annals of WWE history by defeating the reigning United States Champion, Austin Theory, to claim the coveted title. The victory was met with thunderous applause from the live audience at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, and it’s clear that this triumph has ignited a newfound enthusiasm among fans.
Backstage Reaction to Carmelo Hayes’ Historic Win
“We’ve been building towards this moment for a while now, and to see Carmelo Hayes finally grasp the United States Title is a testament to his hard work and dedication,” said a source close to the 25-year-old Superstar. “This win marks a new era for the blue brand, and we’re excited to see how Carmelo will carry himself as the champion.”
A Much-Needed Boost for WWE SmackDown
The viewership increase comes as a welcome respite for the WWE SmackDown team, which had been struggling to regain momentum in recent months. With Carmelo Hayes now holding the United States Title, the pressure is on for the rest of the roster to step up their game and provide the same level of excitement that the young Superstar has brought to the table.
The Road Ahead for Carmelo Hayes
As the new United States Champion, Carmelo Hayes will be facing a plethora of challenges in the coming weeks. With a title reign often comes the added scrutiny of being a champion, and Hayes will need to navigate the complexities of defending his title against a slew of hungry contenders.
However, according to insiders, the WWE is confident in Hayes’ abilities to handle the pressure and deliver on his promise as a top-tier Superstar. “We’ve seen Carmelo Hayes grow into his role as a champion, and we’re excited to see him take on the challenges that come with it,” said a WWE executive. “He’s got the potential to be a long-time champion, and we’re looking forward to seeing him make the most of this opportunity.”
Impact on the WWE Roster
Carmelo Hayes’ United States Title win has sent shockwaves throughout the WWE roster, with many Superstars taking to social media to congratulate the young champion on his historic achievement. The victory has also sparked a renewed sense of competition among the roster, with many looking to capitalize on the momentum that Hayes has generated.
The Future of WWE SmackDown
As the new year dawns, WWE SmackDown is poised to enter a new era, with Carmelo Hayes at the helm as the United States Champion. With a renewed sense of purpose and a much-needed boost in viewership, the blue brand is set to take on the challenges of the upcoming year with renewed confidence.
A Brighter Future for WWE SmackDown
In conclusion, the December 26, 2025 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown marked a turning point for the flagship program, with Carmelo Hayes’ historic United States Title win providing a much-needed shot in the arm for the show. As the blue brand looks to the future, one thing is certain – Carmelo Hayes is here to stay, and he’s ready to make his mark on the WWE Universe.
Statistics:
- Viewership: 2.2 million (up 15% from the previous week)
- Key Demographics:
- Adults 18-49: 750,000 (up 12% from the previous week)
- Adults 18-34: 400,000 (up 18% from the previous week)
- Adults 35-49: 600,000 (up 10% from the previous week)
Sources:
- Nielsen Media Research
- WWE insiders and executives
- Sources close to Carmelo Hayes