As the NBA Finals take a backseat, WWE RAW seizes the opportunity to dominate the ratings, showcasing a highly anticipated World Heavyweight title defense.
Owing to the absence of NBA playoff competition, RAW’s most recent broadcast saw an increase in viewers, who were enthralled by the show’s first World championship bout in almost two years. Let’s dive into the thrilling numbers and see how RAW conquered the airwaves, leaving its competition in the dust.
WWE RAW ratings go up during Seth Rollins’ title defense
The clash between Seth Rollins and Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship played a crucial role in maintaining a strong audience throughout the night. Unlike previous episodes, RAW defied the common trend of viewership decline from the first to the third hour. The third hour had a spectacular five percent growth in both female and male viewers aged 12-34. Female viewers aged 18-49 increased by 9%, while male viewers aged 18-49 increased by 3%. However, there was a slight eight percent dip in viewers over 50.
WWE Raw ratings up for World Heavyweight title defense https://t.co/1Lv8TXTb23 pic.twitter.com/vyBT1r9Mxd
— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) June 6, 2023
As the NBA Finals took a backseat, WWE RAW capitalized on the opportunity to dominate the ratings, captivating fans with an exhilarating World Heavyweight title defense. RAW’s rating surge was a testament to the absence of NBA competition, allowing the show to capture the attention of a broader audience. With a mesmerizing clash between Rollins and Priest, RAW solidified its position as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of combat sports entertainment. As the ratings continue to soar, WWE RAW reigns supreme, leaving its competition trailing in its wake.
First World Championship defense in almost two years on RAW
The WWE Universe was electrified as RAW unleashed an explosive spectacle: the first World Championship defense on RAW in almost two years. The anticipation and excitement reached fever pitch as fans eagerly awaited this monumental event, marking a significant milestone in the show’s history. WWE RAW surpassed the highly anticipated Stanley Cup playoff game between the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers on TNT.
Although the ice-hockey game outperformed RAW in total viewership, RAW claimed the top spot for viewership in the coveted 18-49 demographic. The decision to broadcast the game across TNT, TBS, and TruTV allowed the combined viewership to reach 2.45 million, with an impressive 0.81 rating in the 18-49 demographic. Not only did RAW outshine its cable competition, but it also triumphed over all other English and Spanish network TV programming in the crucial 18-49 demographic.
This triumph solidifies WWE RAW’s stronghold on the audience, as fans eagerly tuned in for the much-anticipated World Championship clash. The absence of NBA competition undoubtedly played a significant role in RAW’s ratings surge. With no basketball matchups to captivate audiences, RAW’s viewership skyrocketed, experiencing a 13 percent increase in total viewership from the previous week.
In addition, RAW saw a 6% gain in the 18-49 demographic and a 5% increase in the 18-34 age group. This undeniable surge in numbers highlights the sheer impact of a long-awaited World Championship defense on RAW.
