Cody Rhodes and Tama Tonga Spark Interest in WWE’s Latest Episodes
Summary
– WWE’s “Raw” and “SmackDown” post-WrestleMania episodes drew significant viewership, with “Raw” attracting 2.36 million viewers and “SmackDown” securing 2.499 million.
– Both shows experienced slight declines from the previous week but remained strong in the coveted 18-49 demographic, with “SmackDown” topping Friday night broadcast TV.
– New storylines and characters, including introducing Tama Tonga from New Japan Pro Wrestling, have invigorated the WWE narrative, particularly on “SmackDown.”
The WWE is riding high on a wave of post-WrestleMania 40 enthusiasm, as evidenced by the impressive viewership numbers for its flagship programs, “Raw” and “SmackDown.” The first “Raw” after WrestleMania boasted its best viewership recently, drawing 2.36 million viewers and scoring a robust 0.83 rating in the critical 18-49 demographic. Just days later, “SmackDown” continued this momentum, albeit with a slight dip, attracting 2.499 million viewers and a 0.76 rating among 18-49-year-olds.
Despite the minor declines from the previous week—4% in total viewership and 1% in the 18-49 demographic for “SmackDown”—the numbers remain a strong indicator of WWE’s market resilience and audience engagement, particularly following major events like WrestleMania. “SmackDown” not only maintained its audience but also topped the night as the number one show on broadcast TV in the 18-49 demographic, a testament to its enduring appeal.
The latest episodes have been heavily centered around the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. On “SmackDown,” Rhodes began by addressing his recent confrontation with The Rock, setting the stage for drama and excitement by announcing that his first title challenger would be determined through competition between LA Knight and AJ Styles, who won their respective three-way matches.
However, perhaps the most significant development on “SmackDown” was the WWE debut of Tama Tonga, a former standout in New Japan Pro Wrestling and a member of the infamous Bullet Club. Tonga was immediately impacted by aligning with the Bloodline faction, consisting of Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman, and notably attacked Jimmy Uso, leading to Uso’s dramatic expulsion from the group. This bold move not only shakes up the existing dynamics within WWE but also signals potential new storylines and rivalries that could captivate the audience in the weeks to come.
The post-WrestleMania period looks promising as WWE continues to evolve and introduce new characters and plots. With high viewership figures and fresh narratives, the stage is set for an exciting era in professional wrestling, keeping fans eager for what’s next.
