Overview
- The broadcast averaged a 0.28 rating among adults 18–49, its best demo level since Nov. 21, according to Wrestlenomics and SpoilerTV.
- Total viewership rose about 3% from the Dec. 26 episode, which had a shorter runtime and was pre-taped.
- The Jan. 2 edition marked SmackDown’s first three-hour show since July 2025 on USA Network.
- Analysts point to Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel methodology and heavy sports competition as factors distorting simple ratings comparisons.
- The Buffalo event sold 9,046 tickets at KeyBank Center, roughly 30% fewer than the previous visit, even as YouTube clips drew strong engagement.