Smackdown ratings up from last week but down from eight week average (w/Keller’s Analysis)

Smackdown drew a 1.72 rating last night, up from last week’s rating of 1.58, and more in line with the previous two weeks of 1.69 and 1.70. The bump from last week could be attributed to being the first show after a PPV event, although it’s not above the average of the previous eight weeks, which was 1.77.

Keller’s Analysis: This at least prevents last week’s rating from appearing to be the start of a new normal below 1.60. The fact that it’s still lower than the prior eight week average just two days after No Mercy shows the “PPV bump” might not apply to single-brand PPVs like No Mercy that, frankly, a lot of people forgot was even occurring. Smackdown still can’t beat Raw, but that 0.19 gap is something that over time could narrow if Smackdown’s two hour show over time can win over people who are skipping most or some of Raw due to Monday Night Football, but are still looking for their “WWE fix.”