Shocking Unfortunate News For WWE Before End Of 2025
WWE would have hoped to end 2025 on a high, but that may not happen.
For a few months, SmackDown has been struggling to find viewers, as the viewership numbers have constantly fluctuated.
The December 19 episode of the blue brand hit its second-lowest rating ever, registering a total viewership of only 995,000.
Fans have been vocal about the brand’s recent struggles, which involves lacking compelling storylines despite top wrestlers like Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre being regulars.
Former wrestler and D-Generation X stablemate Road Dogg leads the writing team on SmackDown.
WWE can also be held accountable for drafting the likes of LA Knight and Roman Reigns, who are major attractions, to the red brand. Meanwhile, Randy Orton has been kept away from shows since October.
With SmackDown now reverting to its 3-hour programming from January 2, Triple H & Co. will need all hands on deck to put on shows that are worth the runtime.
WWE SmackDown last Friday (Dec 19) pulled in 995,000 viewers in ratings.
It was the second-lowest rated episode in SmackDown history, excluding the FS1 episodes. pic.twitter.com/3vdBNbrzC7
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) December 24, 2025
Plans For First WWE SmackDown Of 2026
WWE has already taped the December 26 episode of SmackDown due to the festive season.
To start, the first episode of the blue brand in 2026 will be three hours long, continuing the trend for the foreseeable future.
On the show, Women’s WWE Champion Jade Cargill will defend her championship against Michin. The two superstars have been at each other’s throats of late, attacking one another at will.
Damian Priest and Aleister Black will continue their long-standing rivalry with a singles match.
The episode will also feature a women’s multi-team match to determine the #1 contender for the Women’s Tag Team Championship held by The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane).
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