Raw’s Performance Amidst Playoff Season
Summary
– WWE Raw recorded its lowest total viewership post-football season with 1.59 million viewers but maintained a solid performance in the key 18-49 demographic with a 0.53 rating.
– Facing stiff competition from NBA and NHL playoffs, Raw ranked fourth in cable for the night but topped all network shows in the 18-49 demographic.
– Despite the absence of major stars like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk and competing against major sports events, Raw’s viewership only slightly declined from the previous week.
WWE Raw last night navigated a challenging broadcasting landscape, contending with significant sporting events yet managing to hold up remarkably well in the coveted 18-49 demographic. The show’s ability to sustain its appeal amidst the NBA and NHL playoffs highlights its enduring popularity and the loyalty of its fanbase.
Raw’s total viewership dipped to 1.59 million, marking its lowest figure since the end of the football season. However, it demonstrated resilience in the 18-49 demographic, securing a 0.53 rating. This performance is notable given the heavy competition from high-stakes NBA games, including the Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks, and an NHL conference semifinal game between Carolina and the New York Rangers.
The show was the fourth most-watched cable program of the night, trailing behind the sports broadcasts but outperforming every network television show in the 18-49 demographic. This achievement underscores Raw’s strong positioning within the entertainment industry, particularly among younger viewers.
Viewership metrics indicate a minor decrease from the previous week, with a 2% drop in overall viewers and a 1% decrease in the 18-49 demographic. The absence of top draws like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk contributed to this decline. However, despite the initial lower viewer count, the main event featuring Gunther vs. Ilja Dragunov retained the audience better than the previous week.
Comparing year-over-year figures, Raw saw a 7% decrease in total viewers and an 8% drop in the 18-49 demographic, with last year’s broadcast not facing NBA competition. These statistics illustrate the impact of seasonal sports on wrestling viewership and the challenges WWE faces in maintaining its audience during peak sports seasons.
