WWE SmackDown Ratings, Viewership (5/16/17): Another New Low For 2017

Photo: WWE / Top Rope Press

The WWE SmackDown ratings data and viewership information is in for this week’s show, and the blue brand lost viewers this week after making small gains last week. Last night’s episode, which featured AJ Styles and Jinder Mahal fight it out, the Backlash 6-Woman Tag Team match contract signing, and the announcement of new matches for Sunday’s show, drew 2.175 million viewers. This is down 7.3% from last week’s 2.348 million viewers for the taped show from London and a new low for 2017.

Yeah, this isn’t good news, especially since last night was the Backlash go-home show.

SmackDown was #9 in viewership on cable for the night, falling behind the NBA Playoffs on ESPN, the NBA Draft Lottery, Tucker Carlson, Hannity, Rachel Maddow, Last Word, The Story, and Special Report. SmackDown was #4 in the 18-49 demographic, behind the NBA Playoffs, the NBA Draft Lottery, and SportsCenter. The show drew a .68 cable rating in the 18-49 demographic. This is down from last week’s .74 rating in the same demographic.

I know everyone says that cable ratings aren’t as important as they used to be, but when viewership is declining week after week, it adds up. And, somewhere down the line, WWE is going to have to explain the problems to advertisers and NBC Universal (USA’s parent company). Ratings probably do still matter to them.

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