WWE Raw Ratings Aided By The Undertaker & Shawn Michaels Appearances

Could two legends save Raw's viewership this week?

by Andy H Murray
Shawn Michaels
WWE.com

Raw's viewership was expected to take a huge hit this week. The show was set to go head to head against the college football National Championship Game, which drew close to 25 million viewers on ESPN, and with that in mind, WWE brought in the big guns.

The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels were both advertised to appear in advance, and the show also saw Chris Jericho beat Roman Reigns to become United States Champion in the main event. It one of the most eventful Raws in months, and it looks like WWE's decision to stack the deck has paid -off.

Raw drew 2.907 million viewers this week, which is down from last week's 3.04, but should be considered a strong showing considering the competition. The hourly breakdown indicates that Taker and HBK were the major draws, with swathes of viewers changing the channel to watch the football game after their appearances. Raw's first and second hours drew 3.01 and 3.02 viewers respectively, with just 2.69 million tuning-in for hour three.

Advertisement

The better news is that this was the last Monday night football game of the season, which should see Raw's numbers increase further. Overall, Raw was rated 7th in the target 18-49 demographic.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.