By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

WWE Smackdown on Friday, March 23 scored a 1.80 rating, down six percent from the previous week and down 15 percent from two weeks ago when Smackdown scored a 2.12 rating.

Smackdown averaged 2.76 million viewers, down three percent from the previous week and down 11 percent from two weeks ago when Smackdown averaged 3.10 million viewers.

Smackdown's overall rating is tied with the January 6 episode for the lowest of the year, and Smackdown averaged the second fewest viewers of 2012, ahead of the Jan. 6 episode.

-- Despite the significant overall drop-off, individual demographic ratings held steady. Adults 18-49 & males 18-34 were virtually even with last week. Males 18-49 & adults 18-34 were slightly ahead of last week. The only drop-off was was among younger viewers (males 12-34 and teen males 12-17).

Smackdown appeared to take a hit on the extremes of their audience -the periodical Friday night Disney Channel original programming appeared to affect younger viewers and the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament drew well on cable TV, likely drawing away older viewers.

Overall on cable TV Friday night, Smackdown ranked #7 in overall viewers. The show ranked #1 during its timeslot in the key male demos, but trailed the pack in teen males, as reflected above.

-- Last year's next-to-last Smackdown before WrestleMania increased one-tenth of a rating to a 2.03 rating and averaged 3.10 million viewers.

Caldwell's Analysis: A terrible month for TV wrestling continues with Raw well-below-expectations, TNA Impact flat and getting flatter, and the usually-reliable Smackdown losing momentum heading into WrestleMania. The entire industry is depending on a hot WrestleMania to raise all boats heading into the spring.

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