Category: SmackDown

Networks React To Revised AEW & WWE Nielsen Numbers (After Change In Way Ratings Are Calculated)

The numbers are in, and they’ve got people talking across the wrestling world. With Nielsen officially rolling out its new “Big Data + Panel” system, both WWE and AEW have seen noticeable dips in their TV ratings this week — and that’s raising a few eyebrows inside the industry.

While streaming has become a major player for both promotions — “WWE Raw” now living on Netflix and AEW airing live through HBO Max — traditional Nielsen ratings still carry major weight for networks, advertisers, and executives. The new hybrid data method, designed to more accurately reflect viewing habits across devices, has reshuffled the deck, leaving wrestling shows looking weaker on paper than before.

AEW Keeps Calm Amid The Shift

According to Fightful Select, AEW is keeping a close eye on the situation. Sources say Tony Khan understands the new methodology inside and out thanks to his well-known love of numbers and analytics. While the updated system might make week-to-week trends look rough, AEW still benefits from its simulcasts on HBO Max — even if those exact streaming figures aren’t being publicly shared. Reports suggest about 500,000 viewers tune in weekly to stream “Dynamite” and “Collision.”

A contact within Warner Bros. Discovery (AEW’s media partner) downplayed any panic, noting it’s far too early to make judgments with such a small sample size. The source also pointed out that AEW and WWE both ran head-to-head with Major League Baseball this past week, a sport that — along with college football and the NFL — has actually benefited from Nielsen’s new approach.

When asked if this change could spark talk of cancellations, the WBD insider reportedly laughed off the idea, saying that topic always comes up but is “never actually on the table.”

Interestingly, the new data system has one upside for AEW — it’s expected to end the use of “fast national” ratings, those early estimates that often circulated within hours of broadcast. Because Nielsen’s new reporting adds another day’s delay, those quick-turn numbers will no longer offer an accurate read, potentially eliminating a common talking point in the ongoing WWE–AEW ratings rivalry.

WWE’s Network Partners Weigh In

Over in WWE’s corner, USA Network and The CW are also monitoring the changes. While Raw has made the jump to Netflix, “SmackDown” remains on USA and “NXT” airs weekly on The CW — both still reliant on traditional TV numbers.

A USA Network source told Fightful they’re discussing the new metrics internally, but they’re not alarmed. The feeling is that while the numbers might suggest wrestling isn’t as “hot” as it looked under the old system, the overall value of WWE programming remains undeniable. WWE content continues to deliver strong returns at relatively low costs — something USA has appreciated for decades.

The CW didn’t comment, but the network has reportedly been pleased with NXT’s performance since day one. The shift in ratings measurement isn’t expected to change that enthusiasm.

TNA’s Situation & Industry Impact

One WWE insider did note that the updated Nielsen process could make things tricky for TNA Wrestling, which is currently seeking a new television home. Even so, company president Carlos Silva told Fightful the issue hasn’t come up during negotiations, and discussions with potential partners are still moving forward.

Meanwhile, talent across the major promotions have reportedly felt little direct impact, aside from a few more tweaks to production and travel schedules than usual.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Nielsen’s overhaul is shaking up how TV success is measured, but the wrestling industry has weathered plenty of changes before. Between the rise of streaming, shifting network priorities, and a fan base that consumes content in more ways than ever, the true picture of viewership might take months — if not years — to fully understand.

For now, one thing’s clear: both WWE and AEW are still drawing millions of passionate fans every week, no matter how the math gets crunched.

WWE SmackDown Preview 10/3/2025

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will air live on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix internationally from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
  • Sami Zayn United States Championship Open Challenge
  • Tiffany Stratton looks ahead to Crown Jewel with her match against Stephanie Vaquer
  • Damian Priest in action

Referee Daphanie LaShaunn Speaks Out After Big SmackDown Main Event Botch

The closing moments of Friday’s WWE SmackDown women’s main event had fans buzzing for an unexpected reason — a botched pinfall that briefly threw the finish into question.

During the WWE Women’s Title Triple Threat Match, Tiffany Stratton appeared to have Nia Jax down for a three-count, but referee Daphanie LaShaunn (formerly known on the indies as Aja Smith) only registered a two despite Jax not kicking out. The hiccup was quickly overshadowed when Stratton went on to hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the actual finish, but the moment didn’t go unnoticed.

LaShaunn later addressed the incident on her Instagram Stories, showing humility and appreciation in her response:

“I see all the love. I’m just human, but I can promise that I strive to always be better. Which will forever be my goal as long as I’m on this journey. I love this just like y’all. That I can swear to you.”

According to reports, the finish of the match had already been slightly reworked after Jade Cargill suffered a cut earlier in the contest. Stratton was always planned to leave with the victory, but the sequence leading up to it ended up playing out differently than scripted.

As is often the case with live TV, WWE quickly cleaned up the mistake for its official YouTube upload, editing the missed count out of the footage.

While the botch sparked chatter online, LaShaunn’s professionalism and accountability in addressing the situation have earned her plenty of respect from fans. Mistakes may happen, but Stratton still got her big win — and SmackDown closed with the intended result.

WWE SmackDown Preview 9/26/2025

WWE SmackDown live on USA Network from the Kia Center in Orlando, Fl

  • Fallout from Wrestlepalooza
  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill
  • Giulia & Kiana James vs. Michin & B-FAB
  • WWE United States Championship – Open Challenge: Sami Zayn (c) vs. TBD
  • Cody Rhodes to appear

Update on WWE’s Piper Niven’s Injury

It looks like we have some encouraging news regarding Piper Niven’s health.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Niven is currently sidelined with a neck injury and is waiting for an official diagnosis. While there was early fear that the situation could be very serious — even career-threatening — WWE sources now believe she is expected to return to action at some point down the road.

We previously noted the initial concern backstage this week that the injury might force Niven out long-term, but the latest update suggests her outlook is far more optimistic.

Niven has not competed since the August 22nd episode of SmackDown.

This is a positive turn for the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, who has been gaining momentum in the women’s division. Hopefully, we’ll see her back in a WWE ring sooner rather than later.

Concerning Update on Piper Niven’s WWE Status

There’s some troubling news regarding WWE star Piper Niven. According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, Niven is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury that may be far more serious than initially believed. While details remain scarce, Alvarez mentioned concern that the setback could even be career-threatening.

Niven has been absent from television since the August 22 episode of SmackDown. In her absence, creative plans had to be shifted. On the September 19 edition of SmackDown, Chelsea Green — who has been paired with Niven in recent months — instead teamed up with Alba Fyre to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss retained their titles in that bout.

The injury also altered Clash in Paris, where Niven was originally scheduled to team with Fyre against Flair and Bliss. Instead, the match was changed to Alexa Bliss vs. Chelsea Green, with Bliss walking away victorious.

For now, Niven is said to be in Dublin, Ireland as she recovers. WWE has yet to issue an official update, and with speculation swirling about the severity of her injury, fans are left waiting to see what the future holds for the Scottish star.

Niven has been a steady presence in WWE’s women’s division over the past few years, and the possibility of a serious or even career-ending injury is sobering news. Here’s hoping we’ll get more clarity soon — and that “Doudrop” can make a healthy return to the ring.

WWE SmackDown Preview 9/19/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight in the United States on the USA Network and Netflix for international fans from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio

  • Brock Lesnar interview
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre
  • WWE United States Championship Match Open Challenge: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear

WWE SmackDown Preview 9/12/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight at 8pm ET on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix for international fans from the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
  • Brock Lesnar to appear live in person
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton

Triple H Posts Footage Of AJ Lee Signing New WWE Contract Before SmackDown Return

WWE fans in Chicago got the surprise they’d been waiting on for years last night—though most of them probably saw it coming. AJ Lee officially returned on SmackDown, stepping in to help her husband CM Punk when Becky Lynch tried to take him out in the main event segment.

From the second the show kicked off, chants of “AJ Lee” echoed through the arena, and it didn’t take long for those rumors to become reality. Between the Chicago setting and the Punk/Lynch confrontation being saved for the main event, all the signs were there that WWE had something big up their sleeve.

Adding to the excitement, Triple H took to social media after the show, posting a video of Lee signing her brand-new WWE contract just hours before walking back through the curtain. In the clip, AJ is dressed head-to-toe in black to keep her return under wraps, sharing a quick moment with The Game where she expressed how happy she was to be back in the fold.

Now that she’s officially on the roster, speculation is already heating up about her in-ring future. The leading rumor points toward a blockbuster mixed tag match: AJ Lee & CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins at the upcoming WrestlePalooza, the first-ever ESPN and WWE crossover event. That would not only pit two of wrestling’s most prominent real-life couples against each other, but it would also mark AJ and Becky’s first-ever showdown—something fans never thought they’d see given how their WWE careers never overlapped.

Beyond the dream-match possibilities, AJ’s return carries plenty of emotional weight. The former Divas Champion was a trailblazer for WWE’s women’s division, inspiring a generation of wrestlers who now fill out today’s roster. Seeing her share the ring with those she helped influence will be a full-circle moment that could reshape the women’s scene moving forward.

One thing’s for sure—AJ Lee being back in WWE is a game-changer, and if last night’s reaction in Chicago is any indication, the fans couldn’t be more ready for it.

AJ Lee Returns to WWE in Chicago, Aligns With Her Husband CM Punk Against Rollins & Lynch

WWE fans in Chicago witnessed a moment many thought they’d never see again — AJ Lee is back. After more than a decade away from the company, the former Divas Champion shocked the wrestling world with a surprise return on the September 5 edition of Friday Night SmackDown.

The stage was set in the main event segment, where World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins introduced his wife, Becky Lynch. “The Man” wasted no time trashing CM Punk and his hometown, drawing the expected chorus of boos. The Chicago crowd, however, had other plans, drowning out Lynch with loud chants for AJ Lee.

That’s when business picked up. Punk came out to confront Lynch directly, branding Rollins a coward for “hiding behind his wife.” After a heated exchange, Lynch slapped Punk across the face, prompting him to fire back with a pointed line: while he’d never hit a woman, he knew someone who would.

Right on cue, the familiar music of AJ Lee hit to a massive ovation. Sprinting to the ring, Lee laid out Lynch with a spear and a rapid-fire flurry of offense before sending her retreating up the ramp. The emotional reunion of Punk and AJ in the ring closed out the show, as Rollins and Lynch fumed from the stage.

This shocking return all but solidifies WWE’s rumored plans for a blockbuster mixed tag team clash. AJ Lee & CM Punk are now on a collision course with Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch at WrestlePalooza on September 20. The feud stems back to Clash in Paris, where Lynch cost Punk the World Heavyweight Championship by interfering on Rollins’ behalf. AJ’s return evens the odds and injects major star power into one of WWE’s hottest storylines.

For fans who have been waiting years to see AJ Lee back inside a WWE ring, the moment finally came — and it couldn’t have happened in a more fitting city than Chicago.