WWE SmackDown viewership rises slightly but key demo rating declines
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 22, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
WWE SmackDown on July 17 in Albany, New York, attracted average viewership of 1,243,000, a rise from 1,212,000 the previous week, marking a 3% increase. However, the 18-49 demographic rating fell from 0.24 to 0.21. Year-over-year comparisons show overall viewership down 16% and a 43% drop in the key demo rating. The show featured significant moments, including a brawl between Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER and qualifiers for the WWE Women's Championship Ladder match. SmackDown ranked #1 for the night on cable despite the declines.
- •Viewership grew to 1,243,000 from 1,212,000 week-over-week.
- •18-49 rating dropped from 0.24 to 0.21.
- •Year-over-year average viewership decreased by 16%.
- •Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER headlined the show with a brawl.
- •SmackDown ranked #1 on cable for the night.
- 1:00 PMWrestling Inc — WWE SmackDown Ratings & Viewership Report: 7/17/2026
"WWE SmackDown saw a slight rise in viewership but a significant decline in the key demographic rating for the July 17 show.
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