The SmackDown after WrestleMania saw a slide in the show’s viewership as it dropped to a seven-week low.
The April 24 episode from Fort Worth, Texas, averaged 1,267,000 viewers and 436,000 viewers (0.32) in the 18-49 demographic on the USA Network.
The show ranked second on cable behind the second night of the NFL Draft, which led to ESPN winning the night with 2,803,000 viewers and 0.79 in 18-49. SmackDown also topped the NFL Network’s coverage of the draft and an NHL playoff game on TNT.
The NFL Draft also aired on ABC with 2,473,000 viewers and 0.49 in 18-49.
Despite a high ranking, the show fell by 20% in viewership to its lowest mark since March 6. The 18-49 audience declined by 24% and was its lowest since March 20, with the draft likely being a strong factor.
SmackDown saw a drop in adults 18-34 from 0.24 to 0.16, and adults 25-54 fell from 0.57 to 0.44.
The follow-up to WrestleMania 42 featured an appearance by Cody Rhodes, Paige’s first WWE television match since coming back, and the arrival of Fatal Influence from NXT.
Data: Wrestlenomics & Programming Insider
