SmackDown may have scored its best-ever rating on FS1, according to early viewership data.
The show was pre-empted on FOX on Friday due to coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Fast-nationals” data indicates a viewership of 1.182 million, which represents a rise of 31% on the previous time SmackDown was aired on FS1.
The show benefitted from a highly publicized appearance by Roman Reigns in a Bloodline ‘Rules of Engagement’ segment with Jey Uso. The move to FS1 was prominently promoted on WWE programming over the past week.
Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics listed previous viewership stats for SmackDown on FS1 and stated that last night’s number was “likely SmackDown’s best ever on FS1.”
Smackdown previously on FS1:
12/2/22: 902k
10/28/22: 835k
12/31/21 (NYE): 378k
10/29/21: 1.032M
10/15/21: 866k
12/18/20: 1.033M
10/23/20: 885kLikely Smackdown's best ever on FS1. Fast affiliates/nationals usually adjust slightly higher, at least for wrestling. Finals on Mon. https://t.co/V1IQpfu8Zz
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) July 22, 2023
The final ratings data will become available on Monday.
