On July 18, 2025, WWE SmackDown rebounded with a significant increase in viewership and ratings, marking a positive turn for the show. This episode, aired on the USA Network, saw a notable rise in both the demographic rating and the overall audience, a trend that has been eagerly awaited by WWE fans and network executives alike.

Viewership and Demographic Rating

The July 18 episode of SmackDown drew 1.546 million viewers, a substantial increase from the 1.399 million viewers the previous week. Additionally, the show scored a 0.45 rating in the 18 to 49 demographic, up from the 0.37 rating recorded on July 11[1][2][3]. This marks the highest viewership and demographic rating for SmackDown in three months, with the last comparable figures being on April 25, when the show had 1.559 million viewers and a 0.51 rating in the same demographic[2].

Competitive Landscape

SmackDown faced stiff competition from the WNBA All-Star Event, which aired on ESPN and drew 1.318 million viewers with a 0.31 rating in the 18 to 49 demographic[1]. Despite this, SmackDown emerged as one of the top-rated programs across both cable and network television for the evening, underscoring its continued appeal and relevance in the sports entertainment landscape.

Featured Matches and Segments

The show featured a variety of appealing matches and segments that likely contributed to its success. Key highlights included a chaotic contract signing between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, which garnered significant attention and has been viewed over 1.6 million times on YouTube[1]. Other popular segments included vehicular destruction at the beginning of the show, Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu’s announcement to enter a Steel Cage match at SummerSlam, Alexa Bliss helping Charlotte Flair defeat Raquel Rodriguez, and Aleister Black’s ruthless attack on Damian Priest[1].

Backstage Reaction

According to a WWE insider, “The recent surge in viewership is a testament to the hard work of our talent and creative team. We’ve been focusing on creating storylines that resonate with our fans, and it’s great to see that effort paying off.” This sentiment reflects the overall mood backstage, where morale has been lifted by the show’s performance.

Seasonal Context

In previous years, SmackDown performed significantly better when it aired on the FOX network. For 2024, SmackDown averaged a 0.656 rating with 2.322 million viewers up until the same point. However, since moving to the USA Network in 2025, the show has averaged a 0.431 rating with 1.487 million viewers[2]. Despite these lower numbers compared to the FOX era, the recent increase in viewership is seen as a positive sign for the show’s future on its new network.

Road to SummerSlam

As SmackDown continues on the road to SummerSlam, one of the biggest events in the WWE calendar, the boost in viewership is particularly welcome. The event, set to take place in August, typically draws significant interest and publicity, and the recent ratings suggest that this year’s SummerSlam could be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.

Challenges Ahead

While the recent increase in viewership is promising, SmackDown still faces challenges in maintaining and growing its audience. The shift to the USA Network has required adjustments in terms of production and marketing strategies, and the show must continue to deliver compelling storylines and matches to sustain fan interest.

Conclusion

The July 18 episode of SmackDown marked a significant improvement in both viewership and demographic ratings. The show’s ability to top the ratings across cable and network television underscores its enduring appeal. As the WWE heads into the SummerSlam season, maintaining this momentum will be crucial to ensuring a successful event and a strong finish to the summer.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, WWE fans can expect more intense matches and storylines leading up to SummerSlam. The recent engagement with the likes of Cody Rhodes and John Cena bodes well for future story arcs, and the inclusion of popular talents like Charlotte Flair and Solo Sikoa will likely keep viewers engaged.

Key Points

• WWE SmackDown Viewership: 1.546 million viewers on July 18, 2025.
• Demographic Rating: 0.45 in the 18 to 49 demographic.
• Competitive Landscape: Outperformed the WNBA All-Star Event on ESPN.
• Key Segments: Contract signing between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu’s Steel Cage match announcement at SummerSlam.
• Backstage Reaction: Positive morale due to increased viewership attributed to engaging storylines and performances.