WWE SmackDown Viewership & Ratings Report, 4/25/2025
In the aftermath of WrestleMania 41, the April 25 episode of WWE SmackDown not only delivered thrilling in-ring action but also set the stage for the upcoming Backlash Premium Live Event. As the WWE superstars shift their focus to the event scheduled for May 10 in St. Louis, Missouri, the episode featured significant moments including Aleister Black’s highly anticipated WWE return, a surprising twist from Zelina Vega, and a fierce TLC match involving The Street Profits, The Motor City Machine Guns, and #DIY for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Viewership Trends and Demographic Insights
In the crucial 18-49 demographic, SmackDown scored a 0.51 rating, down 7% from the previous week’s 0.55 but up 9% from the four-week average of 0.47. This demographic performance highlights a resilient interest among younger viewers, despite the overall dip in numbers.
Competitive Challenges on the Night
The fluctuating viewership figures can largely be attributed to stiff competition from major sporting events. SmackDown found itself up against the second day of the NFL Draft and an NBA playoff game between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic. These events are perennial viewership giants, and their scheduling on the same night undoubtedly siphoned off some of WWE’s potential audience.
Despite these challenges, WWE SmackDown managed to outperform two NHL Stanley Cup games and other streaming coverage of the NBA and NFL Draft, securing a respectable position in both cable and network rankings. Specifically, SmackDown ranked third in cable and fourth overall when including network broadcasts, underscoring its strong brand presence and dedicated fanbase.
Looking Ahead
As WWE continues to navigate the competitive landscape of Friday night television, the focus now turns to the Backlash Premium Live Event. With key storylines unfolding and new rivalries emerging from the recent episode, the build-up to Backlash is expected to be intense and could potentially boost viewership in the coming weeks.
The WWE universe will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the aftermath of WrestleMania 41 and the road to Backlash will impact future ratings and viewership trends.
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