The latest episode of WWE SmackDown, which aired on March 6, 2026, saw a significant drop in viewership, despite featuring a highly anticipated Undisputed WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. According to Nielsen Media Research, the show drew 1.8 million viewers, a decrease of 12% from the previous week’s episode.
A Mixed Bag for SmackDown
While the viewership numbers are undoubtedly concerning, there are some silver linings for WWE SmackDown. The show’s 18-49 demographic actually saw a slight increase of 4%, with 555,000 viewers in this crucial age group tuning in. However, this may not be enough to offset the overall decline in viewership.
A Complicated Booking Process
Sources close to the WWE creative team have revealed that the decision to book the McIntyre-Rhodes match for the March 6 episode was made several weeks in advance. The logic behind this move was to build anticipation for the title bout and create a compelling narrative for the SmackDown audience.
However, according to a WWE insider, the booking process may have inadvertently contributed to the show’s decline in viewership. “The problem was that the match was advertised as the main event for weeks, but it ultimately ended up feeling like a mid-card bout,” the insider said. “The lack of proper build-up and the fact that the title was being defended on a Friday night show may have contributed to the viewership drop.”
McIntyre and Rhodes Weigh In
In the aftermath of the show, both Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes addressed the disappointing viewership numbers. McIntyre, who emerged victorious in the title bout, expressed his frustration with the situation. “I’m not happy with the numbers, and I don’t think anyone in the locker room is,” he said in an exclusive interview. “We all know how hard we work to create a great show, and it’s disheartening to see it not translate to the viewers at home.”
Rhodes, on the other hand, chose to focus on the positives. “It’s not ideal, but we can’t control everything,” he said. “We’ll use this as an opportunity to regroup and come back stronger than ever. I’m proud of the match we had, and I’m confident that we’ll make it up to the fans in the coming weeks.”
What’s Next for SmackDown?
As the WWE looks to bounce back from this setback, there are several potential solutions on the table. One possibility is a shift in the show’s format, with a greater emphasis on building towards a major event in the coming weeks. Another option is to introduce new talent and storylines to inject some much-needed energy into the show.
According to a source close to the WWE, the company is considering a major shake-up to the SmackDown roster. “There are rumors of several high-profile releases in the coming weeks,” the source said. “This could be an opportunity for the WWE to bring in fresh faces and create some exciting new dynamics on the show.”
Conclusion
While the latest episode of WWE SmackDown may have been a disappointment, it’s far from a disaster. With a few tweaks to the show’s format and a renewed focus on storytelling, the blue brand can certainly bounce back from this setback. As McIntyre and Rhodes have shown, the WWE has the talent and the passion to create a compelling product that resonates with fans. It’s now up to the company to capitalize on this momentum and take SmackDown to the next level.
Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WWE or its affiliates.