WWE SmackDown saw a decrease in viewership on December 5.
According to Jed Goodman, SmackDown averaged 1.063 million viewers on Friday. The show drew a 0.24 rating in the 18 to 49 demographic. The viewership is down from last week’s episode, when an average of 1.142 million viewers tuned in. The demo also dropped from last week’s show (0.28 rating in the same demographic).
What happened on WWE SmackDown this week?
This week’s show kicked off with a promo from Cody Rhodes, demanding Nick Aldis end Drew McIntyre’s suspension as he wants revenge for McIntyre attacking him on his bus.
Carmelo Hayes answered Ilja Dragunov’s United States Title Open Challenge. Dragunov retains the title thanks to an unwanted assist from Tommaso Ciampa.
Elsewhere on the show, Alexa Bliss defeated Kairi Sane in singles action.
In the main event of the evening, Gunther defeated LA Knight in the finals of the Last Time Is Now Tournament. Gunther will face John Cena in his final match on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Here’s a recap review of the main event of SmackDown, courtesy of our live coverage page…
WWE SmackDown Review:
Gunther mushes Knight. Knight drops Gunther with a right hand. Gunther tries a powerbomb. Knight escapes and sends Gunther out of the ring. Rope dropkick by Knight. After the break, Gunther works over Knight. Knight rolls up Gunther. Gunther turns it into a sleeper. Knight turns that into a pin. Gunther kicks out. Burning hammer by Knight. After a series of reversals, Gunther counters a BFT with a German suplex. Gunther works over Knight’s injured neck. Knight reverses Gunther’s Sleeper into a BFT! Gunther gets his bottom foot on the rope. Gunther traps Knight in a modified STF. Knight taps out.
Winner- Gunther
After the match, Gunther gets close to the camera and says he’s going to make Cena tap out!
Grade: B+
Great hard-hitting match. Gunther’s win was telegraphed, but Knight made us all suspend disbelief with his performance tonight. Will Gunther actually make Cena tap out?
READ MORE: John Cena Explains Logic Behind Brock Lesnar Destroying Him
What did you think of SmackDown this week? What was your favorite match or segment from the show? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
