Low Viewership for the Final WWE SmackDown Before Backlash

By DailyWrestlingNews.com on May 18, 2017

This week’s WWE SmackDown, a loaded show with the final hype for WWE Backlash and Baron Corbin vs. WWE Champion Randy Orton in the main event, drew 2.175 million viewers. This is down from last week’s 2.348 million viewers for the taped show from London and a new low for 2017.

SmackDown was #9 in viewership on cable for the night, behind the NBA Playoffs on ESPN, the NBA Draft Lottery, Tucker Carlson, Hannity, Rachel Maddow, Last Word, The Story and Special Report. SmackDown was #4 in the 18-49 demographic, behind the NBA Playoffs, the NBA Draft Lottery and SportsCenter, all on ESPN.

In comparison, Monday’s RAW drew 2.751 million viewers, up from last week’s 2.696 million viewers.

Below is our 2017 SmackDown Viewership Tracker:

January 3rd Episode: 2.596 million viewers
January 10th Episode: 2.533 million viewers
January 17th Episode: 2.652 million viewers
January 24th Episode: 2.556 million viewers
January 31st Episode: 2.817 million viewers
February 7th Episode: 2.627 million viewers
February 14th Episode: 2.626 million viewers
February 21st Episode: 2.792 million viewers
February 28th Episode: 2.566 million viewers
March 7th Episode: 2.738 million viewers
March 14th Episode: 2.628 million viewers
March 21st Episode: 2.647 million viewers
March 28th Episode: 2.698 million viewers
April 4th Episode: 2.885 million viewers
April 11th Episode: 3.105 million viewers
April 18th Episode: 2.544 million viewers
April 25th Episode: 2.493 million viewers
May 2nd Episode: 2.300 million viewers
May 9th Episode: 2.348 million viewers
May 16th Episode: 2.175 million viewers
May 23rd Episode: