The Undertaker Tribute Boosts WWE SmackDown Ratings
'The Deadman' is still a ratings popper.
This week's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX 'Tribute to The Undertaker' episode saw the blue show's average rating increase by nearly 5%, according to Showbuzz Daily.
The overnight average for the show came in at 2.174 million and it also scored a 0.5 in the always important 18-49 demographic. This was the joint number one score on the night, alongside Shark Tank and 20/20.
Fans clearly enjoyed re-watching the now-legendary Boneyard match between 'Taker and AJ Styles, along with the other various video tributes to the recently 'retired' icon of professional wrestling. Also on the show, Braun Strowman challenged Bray Wyatt to a Swamp match at Extreme Rules: The Horror Show and Bayley learned she will defend her SmackDown Women's title against Nikki Cross at the upcoming July 19 PPV.
The main event saw Jeff Hardy conquering 'King' Corbin after the latter insulted 'The Phenom' earlier in the show. Hardy then ended the tribute by dropping down to one knee and paying homage to the 'Demon of Death Valley'.
It'll be interesting to see where WWE go from here, as they can't rely on a 'Taker-centric show to boost ratings every week.
Perhaps next week's 'Toast to Jeff Hardy' will prove to be a similar success?