The live episode of SmackDown didn’t perform as well as WWE hoped. Last night’s USA-airing episode drew 2.02 million viewers and a 0.6 rating among the 18 – 49 demo. The viewership was down a hefty 20% from last Friday’s taped airing’s 2.53 million, although the demo rating was down just a tenth and was even with the demo rating from two weeks ago. That suggests that the core audience largely tuned in, but casual fans chose not to watch the live episode.
The show will also air in its usual Friday SyFy spot.
100% DIRECT LINK (PHOTOS): NXT Divas Go SKYDIVING Together! **MUST-SEE**!!!
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Notes: Joe Tessitore Misses Show Due To Travel Issues, Stephanie Vaquer Makes Surprise Injury Return & Gets Physical, Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre for Undisputed WWE Title Set for Royal Rumble 2026
Various: Trey Miguel on His TNA Feast Or Fired Briefcase Being “If This Is The Fired Briefcase, I’ll Be So Pissed”, Mecha Wolf vs. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. for AAA Latin American Title Set for 1/24 AAA TV Show, Chris Jericho on Ageism in Pro Wrestling, Indies/Misc.
WWE SmackDown Ratings – Jan. 23, 2026 – Viewership Down, Key Demo Up, Under 1 Million Viewers For 3rd Week In a Row
