SmackDown recently presented a heartfelt tribute to The Undertaker. This particular episode was better received than the average Friday Night SmackDown.
WWE has been in the midst of a general drop in ratings. This was frequent even before the global blockade was imposed.
Many factors, such as disappointing talent, corny, dry arguments, and poor executive decisions, have contributed to the depression. The fact that WWE’s top talent has disappeared has also not helped in any way.
However, the recently aired Friday Night SmackDown may have been a sign of change in the near future. The Boneyard Match, between The Undertaker and AJ Styles, which took place at WrestleMania 36 aired again.
This was part of the tribute WWE paid to The Undertaker, who announced his retirement.
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The Boneyard Match was Undertaker’s last effort as a professional wrestler, as he has not appeared in the ring since then.
It has been revealed, through audience statistics, that the first hour of SmackDown had around 2.7 million concurrent viewers. This is an increase in numbers from the past few weeks and can be attributed to the presence of The Undertaker.
Undertaker vs. AJ Styles pushed audience numbers?
Also, this shows that the fan base is more interested in a good pro wrestling narrative, rather than dry, cheesy, and inconsequential stories (watching them, Otis-Mandy Rose fans).
#SmackDown hour 1 was 2.2 million, the highest since the WrestleMania season. That hour showed Boneyard’s game. The data Vince needs to use to keep the money off the TV, but gets approved by FOX & USA to run popular files instead of RAW and SD for a while. Let the talent and the crew go home for a moment
– Justin LaBar (@JustinLaBar) June 27, 2020
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Another valuable insight provided by WWE analyst Justin LaBar is the fact that this shows the WWE Universe’s obsession with great cinematic content.
Randy Orton and Edge’s match was also extremely successful in this way. During the pandemic, wrestling promotions have accepted cinematic matches and are making the most of them.
WWE executives should take this new discovery and use it, considering that there is a wave of COVID-19 cases passing through WWE. Previous matches must be broadcast on television, and regular programming must be on hold.
Statistics could also be inflated. It could show the numbers it shows also due to the excellent Boneyard Match. There could be thousands of fans tuning in just to revive AJ Styles and The Undertaker fighting.
Whatever the reason, WWE now has a chance to catch lightning in a bottle with its match file. This could well be used to support WWE in these difficult times.
