1/6 WWE SmackDown episode averaged 2.257 million viewers on FOX, which is down from 2.629 million viewers, according to Brandon Thurston of WrestleNomics.
In the all-important 18-49 demographic, the show did a 0.53 rating, down from the 0.64 rating a week ago.
Last week’s episode featured the in-ring return of John Cena in the main event when he teamed with Kevin Owens against Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. This was the highest total viewership since Christmas Day 2020 and the highest key demo since September 2021. Last week was the highest total viewership SmackDown has done since September 9, with 2.367 million viewers.
The week before Cena’s return the show drew 2.376 million viewers and 0.55 rating.
Here is a list of total viewership and the key demo rating that SmackDown has done over the last 4 episodes:
- 12/16/22: 2,191,000 viewers – 0.52 key demo rating
- 12/23/22: 2,376,000 viewers – 0.55 key demo rating
- 12/30/22: 2,629,000 viewers – 0.64 key demo rating – John Cena’s in-ring return
- 1/6/23: 2,257,000 viewers – 0.53 key demo rating
As for AEW Rampage, the show drew 550,000 viewers and a 0.15 rating in the 18-49 demographic on TNT in the 10 pm ET time slot. Last week the show did 470,000 viewers and a 0.12 rating. It ranked #30 in the top 150 shows on cable for the night.
Battle of the Belts, which aired one hour after Rampage, drew 409,000 viewers and a 0.11 rating in the 18-49 demographic. It ranked #58 in the top 150 shows on cable for the night.
The inaugural Battle of the Belts special drew 704,000 viewers and did a 0.27 rating in the 18-49 demographic. It ranked #11 in the top 150 shows on cable for the night, while the second special this past April drew 527,000 viewers and did a 0.18 rating in the 18-49 demographic while charting #10.
The third special in August did 437,000 viewers and did a 0.12 rating in the 18-49 demographic. It ranked #12 in the top 150 shows on cable for the night. The fourth special did 317,000 viewers and a 0.10 rating in the 18-49 demographic. It ranked #37 in the top 150 shows on cable for the night.