SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
The ratings “war” between Raw and Smackdown lasted a whole week, as Smackdown failed to gain traction after scoring the 2.02 rating two weeks ago for John Cena’s return. It dropped to 1.78 last week and ticked up to a 1.79 this week, well below Raw’s 2.03 rating. Viewership was 2.533 million viewers. A year ago Smackdown drew a 1.68 rating, so Smackdown being live on Tuesdays with its own distinct roster has led to an increase in rating consistently over year-ago numbers.
Keller’s Analysis: Raw going up against the college football championship game combined with Cena facing Baron Corbin in an advertised main event created a glimmer of a chance that Smackdown might compete with Raw this week, but the rating instead was right in line with both shows’ rolling ten-week averages. Raw has averaged a 2.02 rating the prior ten weeks and Smackdown has averaged a 1.79 the prior ten weeks, almost exactly what they drew this week. There’s not really a week on the horizon where it’d be likely Smackdown would beat Raw in the ratings again now that Monday night sports competition is over for the season.
Die RAW Die!