WWE SmackDown viewership for August 18 seemingly took a hit last night.
SmackDown saw preemption in several markets last night due to NFL preseason football which likely hurt the show’s overall viewership.
According to the latest Fast Nationals data, this week’s episode of SmackDown preliminary drew 2.231 million viewers, which is down from last week’s initial number of 2.650 million. In addition to the viewership, the 18-49 demo was 690K, which is also down from the last week’s episode on FOX.
WWE SmackDown was reportedly the number-one show on broadcast television Friday night.
Update: Wrestlenomics reports that 2.094 million viewers tuned in on Friday, and SmackDown scored a 0.55 rating (723,000 viewers) in the 18 to 4 demographic.
Per Wrestlenomics, the total virwership is up 2% from last week’s total viewership (2.052 million viewers). The demographic rating rose 1% compared to the previous week (0.55 rating).
This week‘s episode of SmackDown celebrated Edge’s 25-year WWE career. The show opened up with The Grayson Waller Effect with Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar. This segment led to a match between LA Knight and Austin Theory.
Elsewhere on the show, Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair defeated Bayley and IYO SKY.
In the main event, The Rated R Superstar defeated Sheamus in the main event to potentially close out his WWE career.
READ MORE: Edge Addresses Live Crowd After 8/18 WWE SmackDown, Comments On His Future
What did you think of last night’s episode of SmackDown? What was your favorite match or segment? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
