Every week when we tune into WWE Smackdown, we hear how Roman Reigns saved the show, turned it around, and has turned it into a ratings goldmine. But the actual numbers show a far different story.
It’s not a surprise given how far wrestling has fallen in the public eye since the Monday Night Wars twenty years ago.
Back then, it was as main stream as it could possibly be while now it’s more of a guilty pleasure.
Everything moves in cycles and professional wrestling is no different. With that in mind, it’s also part of the job description to sell a character is as believable way as possible to get us to tune in.
Over the decades we’ve been told certain ones had millions at their fingertips, wore the most expensive suits and jewelry, and were responsible for turning a show around.
In the latter’s case, it plays perfectly into Roman Reigns’ persona as the Tribal Chief.
Numbers tell a different story
Since Reigns became the Universal Championship on August 30, 2020, Smackdown’s ratings received a boost, but have remained around the 2 million mark more times than not throughout 2020.
2021 have remained a little more consistent as the ratings have fluctuated a few hundred thousand here and there.
There’s no denying that Smackdown has been the better of WWE’s shows ratings wise, with Raw coming in second with roughly identical numbers though far more consistent in their numbers, and arguably their best show wrestling wise, NXT, coming in a third with around 800k.
It’s nothing new to hear wrestlers proclaim something during a show that doesn’t measure up to reality, but that’s part of the reason we love it so much.
We get to disappear into the ring for a time and enjoy ourselves. Especially when the stories make sense.
This kinda puts a crimp in Roman Reigns’ claim to be the difference maker, but considering he hasn’t won a match without help in some way yet just makes it all the easier to boo his character.
Just to throw a gnawed on ham bone onto the table, remember when the champion was considered the main draw of a company?
If the numbers have remained relatively steady since before Reigns’ reign, what’s that say about the quality of food he’s putting on the table?
Honestly, we don’t take what they say seriously as it’s meant to be for fun, and we can’t wait to see what Reigns and company have in store for us this week.
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