WWE Raw aired against two NFL games leading to one of the program’s lowest viewership averages but performed well in the cable rankings.
The September 23 episode from California averaged 1,339,000 viewers and 572,000 viewers (0.43) in the 18-49 demographic, per Wrestlenomics & Programming Insider.
Raw aired against the Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals on ABC (13,177,000 viewers and 3.37 in 18-49) and the Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars on ESPN (6,399,000 and 2.0 in 18-49) and ESPN Deportes (37,000 and 0.02).
The 11% decline in viewership was among Raw’s lowest for a first-run episode behind the September 18, 2023, episode.
In the 18-49 demographic, Raw dropped by 12% but still finished #2 on cable behind ESPN’s coverage of the NFL.
The pattern was noteworthy with Raw beginning with 1,360,000 viewers and 0.41 in the 18-49 demo for the first hour of the show. It averaged 1,329,000 viewers and 0.43 in the second hour and ended with 1,327,000 viewers and 0.44 for the final hour.
It was a rare occurrence where the 18-49 audience grew from start to finish and overall viewership only dropped by 2% when a typical show-long decline is around 15-16%.
The show was promoted around Bron Breakker vs. Jey Uso for the Intercontinental title, which ended the program.
The Canadian viewership was 254,300 viewers and 125,600 in the 25-54 demographic on Sportsnet 360. They increased by 2% in viewers and up by 18% in the demo. It was a competitive night in sports with both NFL games, an NHL pre-season game, and the Toronto Blue Jays playing. Raw ranked #5 for the night and #4 in the demo where Raw topped the Jays’ game in 25-54.
