WWE SmackDown made history on January 2025, with its first-ever three-hour episode. The show, which aired on USA Network, attracted an average of 1.528 million viewers. This number is impressive, especially considering the competition from college football and basketball games on other networks.
The episode, which took place on Friday night, marked a significant change for SmackDown. Traditionally, the show has been two hours long. However, WWE decided to extend it to three hours for this special episode. The move was met with mixed reactions from fans, but the viewership numbers suggest it was a success.
According to Wrestlenomics, SmackDown ranked #2 on cable in primetime for the 18 to 49 demographic. The show achieved a 0.45 rating in this key demographic, which is the same as the previous week’s episode. While the viewership was slightly down from the previous week’s 1.568 million, the numbers remain strong.
The episode faced tough competition from other sports events. It went head-to-head with the Mayo Bowl college football game on ESPN, which drew 3.384 million viewers. Additionally, a college basketball game between Michigan State and Ohio State aired at the same time. Despite this, SmackDown managed to hold its own and attract a large audience.
The three-hour format allowed WWE to pack the show with exciting matches and segments. The episode kicked off with a promo from Cody Rhodes, who was interrupted by Drew McIntyre. Kevin Owens then attacked Rhodes from behind, setting the stage for future storylines.
One of the highlights of the night was the WWE Women’s Championship match between Nia Jax and Naomi. Jax emerged victorious, but her celebration was short-lived. Tiffany Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase and defeated Jax to become the new champion. This shocking moment left fans buzzing on social media.
Another notable match featured DIY and Motor City Machine Guns. The match ended in a no contest due to interference from Pretty Deadly and Legado del Fantasma. This chaotic segment added to the excitement of the night.
The main event saw The New Bloodline take on Sami Zayn and The Usos. The New Bloodline picked up the win, thanks to an assist from Drew McIntyre. This match further advanced the ongoing storyline involving The Bloodline, one of WWE’s most popular factions.
The three-hour format also allowed WWE to include more backstage segments and interviews. These segments helped build anticipation for future episodes and pay-per-view events. Fans got a glimpse of what’s to come in the WWE Universe.
While the viewership numbers are strong, some fans have expressed concerns about the three-hour format. Many feel that two hours is the perfect length for a wrestling show. Extending it to three hours risks making the show feel too long and drawn out.
WWE has not yet confirmed if SmackDown will continue with the three-hour format. However, the success of this episode suggests that it could become a regular feature. The company is always looking for ways to attract more viewers and keep fans engaged.
Overall, the first three-hour episode of SmackDown was a success. It attracted a large audience and delivered an action-packed show. The episode set the stage for future storylines and left fans excited for what’s to come.
As WWE continues to experiment with new formats, fans can expect more surprises in the weeks ahead. Whether SmackDown stays at three hours or returns to two, one thing is certain: WWE knows how to keep its audience entertained.
