WWE SmackDown Sees Major Viewership Spike with AJ Lee’s Triumphant Return on September 5, 2025

pranithkumarkanna@gmail.com|Modified on Sep 09, 2025, 19:23 GMT

WWE SmackDown’s September 5, 2025 episode on USA Network experienced a significant boost in viewership and ratings, fueled by the unexpected return of AJ Lee and high-profile star power. The show drew an impressive 1.585 million viewers, marking a substantial 38% increase from the previous week’s 1.147 million viewers[1][5]. This surge ended a worrying downward trend that WWE experienced in the weeks leading up to the broadcast.

According to ProgrammingInsider.com, the key 18-49 demographic rating jumped to 0.51 from the prior week’s low of 0.28, signaling renewed interest among the most coveted audience segment for advertisers[1][2]. This marks a crucial recovery for SmackDown’s ratings after several weeks of slippage, highlighted by an alarmingly low rating despite John Cena’s heavily promoted appearance the week prior[4].

AJ Lee’s Return: The Game-Changer for SmackDown

Sources close to WWE confirmed that AJ Lee’s return was orchestrated as a surprise moment to back up CM Punk during a tense segment involving Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch[3]. Her shocking return after a decade-long absence energized both the live crowd and television viewers alike, according to insider reports from WWE.com and Fightful.

“She was always a fan favorite, and WWE knew the buzz surrounding her—bringing her back at a pivotal storyline moment was a masterstroke,” a WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines. This strategic booking was widely credited backstage for reigniting viewer enthusiasm for SmackDown at a critical juncture[1][3].

Context of Ratings: Comparing to Previous Weeks and Competitors

The ratings rebound came after a tough month during which WWE SmackDown’s viewership had dropped more than 500,000 viewers from its peak of 1.707 million on July 25 to just 1.147 million on August 29[4]. The 0.28 rating in the 18-49 demographic on August 29 was the lowest of the year for SmackDown, emphasizing the urgency for WWE to re-engage fans.

However, the 1.585 million viewers and 0.51 demo rating on September 5 still fall short compared to last year’s same-week SmackDown ratings on FOX, which hit 1.77 million viewers and a 0.45 rating, and the September 8, 2023 episode, which drew over two million viewers on FOX[1]. The shift from FOX to USA Network and changes in viewing habits pose ongoing challenges to WWE’s broadcast reach.

In terms of competition, the Sept. 5 broadcast saw strong concurrent sports programming, including the U.S. Open Tennis Men’s Semifinal on USA Network with 1.639 million viewers and college football games on ESPN and FOX[1]. Despite this, SmackDown managed to hold firm viewership against major live sports events.

Additional Highlights from the September 5 SmackDown

Other notable moments on the show included Brock Lesnar’s interruption of the match between John Cena and United States Champion Sami Zayn, adding another high-impact star to the card[3]. These types of star-studded segments combined with storyline intrigue drove excitement both on social media and wrestling podcasts covering the show live.

Industry experts from PW Torch pointed out this episode was a critical test for WWE’s programming following declining ratings. The company’s decision to pair AJ Lee’s return with rising stars such as CM Punk and Sami Zayn was viewed as a strong effort to stabilize and potentially grow the SmackDown audience moving forward[4].

What This Means Moving Forward for WWE SmackDown

While the September 5 ratings bounce is encouraging, insiders warn it is just the first step in reversing a broader trend of viewership decline for WWE SmackDown. “This isn’t one episode fixing everything, but it’s a clear sign that smart storytelling and surprise returns can still command attention in today’s crowded TV landscape,” said a Fightful analyst.

WWE is reportedly planning to continue capitalizing on nostalgia acts combined with fresh rivalries in the coming weeks to maintain momentum. According to a WWE.com statement, upcoming shows will continue showcasing marquee talent returns and championship storylines designed to engage both legacy fans and newer audiences.

SEO Keywords Embedded:

WWE SmackDown ratings September 5, 2025
AJ Lee WWE return viewership
WWE SmackDown 2025 ratings increase
WWE USA Network SmackDown ratings
CM Punk Seth Rollins Becky Lynch storyline
Brock Lesnar John Cena SmackDown interruption
WWE viewership trends 2025

The resurgence in WWE SmackDown’s ratings on September 5, 2025, led by AJ Lee’s shock return, highlights how strategic talent appearances remain vital for WWE’s television success. With nearly 1.6 million viewers tuning in and solid gains in the key 18-49 demographic, the episode provided much-needed positive momentum amid a challenging ratings environment. Industry insiders and fans alike will be closely watching how WWE builds upon this momentum in the weeks to come.

More News

Tony Khan Praises 9/6 AEW Collision as “One of the Best Shows of the Entire Year,” Reflects on 2300 Arena Residency and Taz’s Role

Tony Khan, President of AEW and ROH, recently gave high praise to the September 6 AEW Collision episode during an in-depth appearance on the Battleground podcast, calling it “one of the best shows of the entire year” from start to finish. The event, held at Philadelphia’s legendary 2300 Arena—the historic hub for hardcore wrestling—featured standout matches and significant storyline developments that impressed fans and critics alike[1][2].

Khan highlighted the intensity and flow of the show, notably the main event fight between Jon Moxley and Daniel Garcia. The match was widely acclaimed for its back-and-forth action, showcasing Garcia pushing the grizzled veteran Moxley to his limits. Wrestling journalist Jason Powell described it as a compelling contest with meaningful stakes, where Garcia...

Toni Storm Opens Up About Leaving WWE: Creative Freedom Came at a Cost, Major WWE Plans Halted, and Tiffany Stratton’s Powerbomb Woes

Toni Storm, the AEW Women’s World Champion, has candidly revealed the real reasons behind her abrupt departure from WWE, shedding light on her struggles with creative direction and personal challenges during her tenure. Meanwhile, new backstage reports reveal major WWE plans for a recently released superstar were dropped last minute, and Tiffany Stratton has disclosed her dislike for taking powerbombs, adding fresh insight into WWE’s current locker room dynamics.

On a revealing episode of the Marking Out podcast, Toni Storm reflected on her WWE journey, giving fans a rare glimpse at the factors that led to her decision to quit the company in late 2023[5]. While WWE granted Storm significant creative freedom, she explained it often felt more like directionlessness....

AJ Lee’s Triumphant WWE Return Sparks Dreams of Three Epic Dream Matches

On the September 5th, 2025 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, AJ Lee made an electrifying return to WWE after a ten-year absence, instantly igniting excitement across the wrestling world[1][3]. Her surprise appearance alongside husband CM Punk targeting Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins was hailed as one of the most monumental returns in WWE history — a shockwave that reverberated through the entire women’s division[2][4].

This comeback has reignited fan speculation and insider buzz about the dream matches that AJ Lee could deliver, matches that would not only honor her legacy but redefine women’s wrestling in WWE once again. According to sources close to WWE and Fightful reports, discussions behind the scenes are abuzz with potential marquee confrontations that capitalize...

Headline: AJ Styles Unleashes Backstage Frustrations in Candid WWE Raw Promo, Hints at Being Undermined

On the September 8, 2025, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, AJ Styles delivered a rare, candid promo during a commercial break that exposed his growing backstage frustrations and hinted that some unnamed figures within WWE might be working against him. Speaking directly to the live audience before his singles match against El Grande Americano, Styles laid bare feelings of isolation and discontent, revealing that he feels unsupported and possibly targeted behind the scenes[1][2].

The promo, which quickly became a highlight of the night, followed an intense narrative thread that Styles has been subtly weaving over recent weeks. In his words, “Someone doesn’t want me here,” implying that backstage politics and decisions have stripped him of allies and influence. Styles...

Wrestling Arena News