Originally published at SmackDown stays above two million viewers in U.S., increases in Canada
John Cena’s first appearance on Friday Night SmackDown since his return kept the show over two million viewers against the Olympics.
The second in front of live fans, saw Friday Night SmackDown average 2,137,000 viewers with 709,000 (0.55) in 18-49, per Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics.
The number was down from the previous week, which was its first show back with live fans and averaged 2,310,000 and 852,000 in 18-49.
This week’s figures were still its second-highest since May 7th.
Friday’s competition also featured the opening day of the Olympic Games from Tokyo, Japan, which did approximately 17 million viewers, per Sports Business Journal.
In Canada, SmackDown has a strong performance despite the Olympics, the NHL Draft, and a Toronto Blue Jays game.
The show averaged 213,900 and 90,000 in the 25-54 demographic on Sportsnet 360, which was way up from the week prior and its best performance since June 11th in overall viewership.
Last week’s show in front of fans averaged 176,500 and 86,900 in 25-54.
SmackDown will go against the Olympics for the next two Fridays with the games wrapping up on August 8th.