By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE Raw on Monday, August 15 scored a 3.27 rating the night after Summerslam, up six percent compared to a 3.09 rating last week leading into Summerslam.

Raw averaged 5.05 million viewers with an average of 5.25 million viewers in the first hour and 4.86 million viewers in the second hour. Average viewership was up 12 percent compared to last week.

It was the first Raw in 12 weeks to average more than five million viewers, but that includes two three-hour Raw episodes where the standard two hours averaged five million viewers.

-- WWE began its Monday Night Football battle against ESPN on Monday night, albeit it was pre-season football. The Texans vs. Jets game averaged 4.97 million viewers, which was in-between each of Raw's two hours.

On cable TV Monday night, Raw was #6 in overall viewers. Raw's second hour beat ESPN among males 18-34, and Raw's first hour ranked #3. Among males 18-49, Raw was #3 behind ESPN and "Pawn Stars" on History Channel.

Raw's female demographic ratings showed growth this week. Among females 18-34, Raw rated #3 on cable for the night. Among females 18-49, Raw was #2 behind TNT's powerhouse show on Monday nights, "The Closer."

Looking at the overall audience, Raw's adult 18-49 rating was the highest since May 23. Young adults and teenagers were up compared to last week, but still below seasonal averages and well below 2010 levels during the summer.

-- WWE has battled audience erosion in 2011 compared to one year ago. Comparing this year's Raw-after-Summerslam to last year's on August 16, 2010 reveals a mixed bag:

- Overall rating: 2010 - 3.30 rating, 2011 - 3.27 rating

- Average viewers: 2010 - 4.77 million, 2011 - 5.05 million

- Adult 18-49 ratings are nearly identical, but 2011 teens are down significantly (39 percent in males 12-17) compared to 2010.

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