WWE SmackDown Ratings Hit New Low Against Mike Tyson Boxing Event

One Big Thing

WWE SmackDown ratings took a significant hit, drawing its lowest 18-49 demographic numbers since moving to USA Network, as it competed against a high-profile boxing event featuring WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson.

By the Numbers

• Total viewers: 1.234 million (↓20% from last week)
• 18-49 demographic: 0.32 (↓32% from last week)
• Four-week average comparison:
– Total viewers down 14% from 1.440 million
– 18-49 demo down 27% from 0.44

Why It Matters

The sharp decline in viewership highlights the growing competition for Friday night entertainment, particularly when wrestling-adjacent content like the Tyson vs. Paul boxing match draws massive streaming numbers. This could signal a need for WWE to reconsider its programming strategy on highly competitive nights.

Context

• Netflix’s boxing card, featuring Tyson vs. Logan Paul’s brother, attracted over 60 million households
• The Taylor vs. Serrano semi-main event drew 50 million viewers
• SmackDown’s demographic performance hit a new low since its USA Network move

What’s Next

SmackDown looks to bounce back next week with an intriguing storyline development involving Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman, after this week’s show ended with Reigns unable to reach Heyman by phone. This marks the first Heyman-related development since his attack by Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline.

What do you think about SmackDown’s ratings drop – was it just the Tyson fight effect, or should WWE be concerned about their Friday night performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!