The latest viewership metrics for WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, have showcased a positive trend for the professional wrestling giant. Garnering an average of 1,562,000 viewers on the USA Network, Raw experienced an increase from the previous week’s 1,466,000 viewers. The show’s performance further solidified its presence with a boosted 0.47 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic, a small yet significant rise from last week’s 0.46.
Raw’s resilience in maintaining and even increasing its audience is particularly notable given the formidable competition it faces from the current NFL season. The broadcast went head-to-head with the Monday Night Football game featuring the Philadelphia Eagles clashing with the Seattle Seahawks, which drew a massive combined viewership of 19,361,000 across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2.
The football game’s viewership figures spread across the networks, with ABC attracting 10,266,000 viewers, ESPN pulling in 7,947,000, and ESPN2 capturing the attention of 1,148,000 individuals. The enormous appeal of the NFL undoubtedly posed a significant challenge for WWE’s programming during this time slot.
Reflecting on the corresponding broadcast from the previous year, the December 19, 2022 edition of Monday Night Raw brought in 1,705,000 viewers and a 0.43 demographic rating. Meanwhile, the December 20, 2021 episode secured 1,555,000 viewers along with a 0.35 rating in the 18-49 demographic. Given these numbers, the upsurge in viewers is an encouraging sign, pointing to a dedicated fanbase and a potential stabilization or growth for the iconic wrestling show.
The breakdown of viewership by the hourly segments for the recent Raw episode remains undisclosed. However, the overall metrics indicate a momentum shift for the program, which continues to be a significant player in the entertainment industry, despite the seasonal spikes in viewership for other major sporting events.
Professional wrestling enthusiasts and analysts alike will be monitoring these trends closely, observing whether WWE can continue to build upon their recent success in viewership numbers. As the landscape of sports and entertainment evolves, Raw’s adaptability and enduring appeal stand out in a competitive prime-time slot, further cementing its status as a staple of pro wrestling television.
Source: Wrestlenomics, SportsTVRatings
