Possible Reason for WWE SmackDown’s Disappointing Viewership After 9/13 USA Network Return

WWE brought SmackDown back to the USA Network last week for their September 13 episode, and they had a big show for fans, but the viewership didn’t come out as a blockbuster number. There could be a reason for that.

SmackDown’s USA premiere drew 1.723 million total viewers, along with 0.55 in the coveted 18-49 demographic. This wasn’t the massive number that some expected, and one of the reasons behind that could have been due to DVR issues.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that his DVR did not record the final segment of the show this week. That could be a big issue. He did note that his DVR only captured the end of SmackDown for him because he was recording the next show, which is always a smart choice when you’re recording a life program. Still, this issue could have caused many to drop off without seeing the episode’s conclusion.

“The DVRs didn’t pick it up, mine didn’t, but I recorded the next show. It went off right before Cody got in the ring. Roman was talking, and then it went off the air. I don’t know if it’s the case, someone tweeted me telling me that they watched on TNT sports, and they said it went off in the middle of it.”

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To that, Bryan Alvarez responded that “they need to get their sh*t together.” Obviously, the Bloodline confronting Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes would have been enough to capture a lot of attention, but the show simply cut off early for a lot of fans.

In case you missed it, WWE SmackDown’s September 13 episode ended with Nick Aldis joining Roman Reigns in the ring. Aldis acknowledged the chaos of the night and began to speak about their shared history. However, Roman interrupted, holding out his hand to demand the microphone and the contract. Roman took the mic and stated, “I don’t want to confuse anybody. Something’s changed, but not me.” He made it clear that he didn’t need Aldis or a contract, emphasizing that this was family business, and that’s Bloodline business. Roman asserted that he didn’t need a partner, and he certainly didn’t need Cody Rhodes. He reminded everyone that, with or without his family’s ula fala, he was still the Tribal Chief. “Not the original Tribal Chief, the only Tribal Chief,” Roman added.

At that moment, Cody Rhodes’ music hit, and Cody made his way to the ring. Stepping in, Cody responded, “This was your WWE, Roman, but it hasn’t been since WrestleMania.” Without hesitation, Cody tossed his mic aside, and Roman did the same, which gave the impression that they were ready for a fight. The Bloodline got involved at that point and chaos broke out as Cody countered with a Cody Cutter on Tama Tonga, while Roman slammed Tama with a uranage. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu watched the action unfold from ringside, choosing not to get involved just yet.

During the closing moments of the show, Roman Reigns then picked up the contract he had previously dismissed, paused briefly, and signed it. Cody then asked for the contract, and the match was signed. Sadly, this dramatic ending to SmackDown wasn’t seen by a lot of fans. We will have to see if they are able to stop that kind of thing from happening in the future, but they certainly need to communicate when the show is actually ending to the network. After the show actually ended for the USA Network, it appeared as though Cody and Roman had words in the ring.

What’s your take on WWE moving SmackDown to the USA Network? Do you think that this will make the blue brand better? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

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