WWE SmackDown Sees Slight Viewership Increase on May 23 Despite Demo Drop – While WWE fans continue to await the Blue Brand’s return to its two-hour format, the May 23 episode of WWE SmackDown on USA Network saw a modest boost in viewership. According to Programming Insider, the show drew 1.383 million viewers, a rise from the 1.29 million pulled in the previous week.
However, despite the increase in overall viewership, the 18–49 key demographic saw a dip, with a 0.33 rating, down from the 0.36 recorded for the May 9 broadcast. Notably, SmackDown aired against stiff sports competition, as both the NBA and NHL playoffs dominated cable for the evening.
Leading the night was Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks on TNT, which brought in 5.839 million viewers and a 1.83 demo rating. Meanwhile, the NHL Western Conference Finals Game 2 between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars also aired on TNT, pulling 1.389 million viewers and a 0.40 demo rating, slightly edging out SmackDown in both metrics.
Despite the drop in the demo and continued struggles with overall numbers, interest in WWE’s digital content remains strong. The most-viewed YouTube clips from the May 23 SmackDown episode include:
- R-Truth: “I’ll beat Hustle, Loyalty and Respect into John Cena” – 876K views
- FULL MATCH: The Wyatt Sicks return to dismantle the tag team field – 709K views
- Tiffany Stratton calls Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair obsolete – 471K views
- Jimmy Uso & Rey Fenix vs. Jacob Fatu & JC Mateo – 440K views
- Giulia qualifies for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match – 292K views
Although ratings remain underwhelming for the blue brand, WWE continues to generate buzz through high-profile returns and rising stars, as seen with The Wyatt Sicks’ return and new faces like Giulia gaining traction.
WWE SmackDown Sees Slight Viewership Increase on May 23 Despite Demo Drop
