The Rock Gives Fresh Boost To WWE SmackDown Ratings

The Rock has once again provided a strong ratings boost for WWE.

‘The Great One’ returned to SmackDown on 1st March to continue an enthralling build towards WrestleMania by answering Cody Rhodes’ recent challenge for a one on one bout.

After belittling the crowd in Glendale, Arizona in trademark comedy fashion, ‘The People’s Champion’ declined Rhodes’ demands for a match, instead opting to deliver an intriguing counter-offer of a tag team bout on Night One of WrestleMania with serious implications for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match on Night Two of the highly anticipated Premium Live Event included.

Preliminary ratings numbers released by TVLine reveal that 2.23m tuned in to watch the WWE’s blue brand on 1st March, representing a 3% increase in viewership on prior week.

The Rock Forces Last Minute WWE Changes

Not only is the former WWE Champion turned Hollywood star a ratings needle mover, but his presence is also forcing WWE management to think on their feet.

The critically acclaimed promo on SmackDown on 1st March is said to have run some ten minutes longer than originally planned, leaving writers scrambling to rethink the format of the show.