WWE Raw Last Episode Sees Another Huge Drops In Viewership Against Two NFL Matches

The latest episode of WWE Raw faced a significant decrease in viewership, registering a total of 1,331,000 viewers. This marks not only a 2% drop from the previous week but also sets an undesirable record, being the lowest viewership ever for an original episode of the show.

Adding salt to the wound, Raw had the unenviable task of competing against two prominent NFL matches on the same evening. The Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a victory against the Cleveland Browns, while the New Orleans Saints triumphed over the Carolina Panthers. For any show, competing against the might of the NFL is challenging, and Raw was no exception.

However, it wasn’t all bleak for WWE Raw. Impressively, despite the overall decline, the show saw a notable rise in the pivotal P18-49 demographic, with an increase of nine per cent. This suggests that while the overall numbers might have been on the downside, the younger audience segment remains considerably invested in the product.

One of the evening’s highlights was the electric live segment featuring Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and Cody Rhodes, which stood out as the highest-rated part of the program. On the flip side, the audience seemed less invested in Kofi Kingston’s battle against Ivar, which garnered the lowest ratings in the P18-49 group. Another segment that faced a dip in viewer interest was the bout between Tommaso Ciampa and Imperium’s Giovanni Vinci, registering the smallest viewer count of the evening.

Amidst these highs and lows, the episode also featured an enticing open challenge match. NXT Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch, stepped up to defend her title, with Natalya emerging as her challenger. Interestingly, Natalya wasn’t originally scheduled for this match. She was initially set to participate in that night’s Main Event taping, but a last-minute shuffle saw Tegan Nox take her place, and no official statement has addressed the sudden change.

It’s no secret that WWE Raw has grappled with dwindling numbers for some time now, and the challenge of matching up against other popular sports programs, especially the NFL, is a tall order.

Recognizing the urgency, WWE hasn’t been passive. Recently, they moved Raw to a fresh timeslot, hoping to attract more viewers. Additionally, the company has introduced a slew of new superstars, hoping that fresh faces and engaging storylines will rejuvenate the brand’s appeal. However, these strategic shifts haven’t manifested in a noticeable upturn in ratings.

This prompts industry experts and fans alike to ponder on the future strategies WWE might employ to revamp Raw. Could a significant reduction in the show’s duration be a possible solution? Maybe a shift to another network might rekindle the brand’s former glory. These are speculative solutions, but what’s evident is that WWE might have to think outside the box, potentially making some hard decisions to ensure the longevity and success of Raw.

As the weeks unfold, it will be intriguing to see the steps WWE undertakes to reinvent and invigorate Raw. Whether they choose subtle tweaks or massive overhauls, the ultimate aim remains the same: to recapture the audience’s imagination and solidify Raw’s position as a must-watch spectacle. Only time will tell how the saga of Raw’s viewership will evolve.