SmackDown Ratings Drop Despite CM Punk’s Savage John Cena Roast And Night Of Champions Build

Friday Night SmackDown delivered another action-packed episode on June 27, 2025, featuring CM Punk’s brutal takedown of John Cena’s iconic Doctor of Thuganomics persona. However, the show’s compelling storylines couldn’t prevent a notable ratings decline as WWE marches toward Night of Champions.

Ratings Reality Check: SmackDown Takes a Hit

The blue brand faced some tough numbers this week, pulling in 1.450 million viewers according to Programming Insider. That represents a 4.9% drop from the previous week’s stronger showing of 1.524 million viewers on June 20.

The demographic story tells a different tale, though. SmackDown managed to climb in the crucial 18-49 age group, posting a 0.41 rating compared to last week’s 0.38. This uptick in the key demo shows WWE’s ability to maintain younger viewer engagement despite overall audience fluctuations.

CM Punk Channels His Inner Ruthless Aggression

The Chicago native stole the spotlight in the episode’s closing segment, completely dismantling John Cena by adopting his beloved Doctor of Thuganomics character. Punk’s scathing verbal assault on the 16-time World Champion provided SmackDown with its most talked-about moment.

This calculated move by Punk demonstrates his mastery of psychological warfare, using Cena’s own nostalgic persona against him. The segment showcased why The Second City Saint remains one of wrestling’s most compelling mic workers, even when borrowing someone else’s playbook.

Queen of the Ring Tournament Heats Up

Women’s division standouts Asuka and Jade Cargill delivered a memorable face-off as the Queen of the Ring tournament approaches its climactic finale. Their confrontation added another layer of intensity to what promises to be an explosive conclusion to the prestigious tournament.

The Empress of Tomorrow and The Storm continue building momentum toward their inevitable collision, with both superstars representing different eras and styles of WWE’s evolving women’s division.

Night of Champions Momentum Builds

WWE’s premium live event strategy continues generating storyline heat across multiple feuds. The company’s focus on long-term storytelling appears to be resonating with the core audience, even as overall viewership experiences some volatility.

SmackDown’s ability to maintain demographic strength while building toward Night of Champions suggests WWE’s creative direction is connecting with its target audience. The combination of established stars like Punk and rising talents like Cargill creates compelling television that balances nostalgia with fresh energy.

With Night of Champions drawing closer and storylines intensifying, can SmackDown bounce back in the ratings while delivering the knockout programming that wrestling fans demand? The blue brand’s next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this dip represents a temporary setback or a more concerning trend.