How Did the Post “Money in the Bank” “Smackdown” Draw?

Long live the Maharaja. After “Monday Night Raw’s” ratings and audience shot up earlier this week, the question was could “Smackdown Live” do the same. They were coming off a pay per view with “Money in the Bank 2017” and that normally means a built-in ratings boost. Add in the possibility of a Money in the Bank cash-in and things were set for a good night.

Watch Daniel Bryan resolve the Women's Money in the Bank controversy in slow-motion: June 20, 2017

As it turns out, things did indeed go well. According to 411mania.com, the show drew a .85 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 2.597 million viewers, which are up 35% and 25% respectfully. These are both the best numbers since the April 11 episode, which featured the second half of the Superstar Shakeup. This week’s show was headlined by Jinder Mahal vs. Luke Harper and also featured the return of Daniel Bryan from paternity leave.

Opinion: I’m a bit surprised by this as it was so close to the first day of the summer, which would seemingly have fewer people watching than your regular show. The post pay per view crowd probably had a lot to do with the audience and at this point, WWE needs to take almost anything they can.

Did you like this week’s “Smackdown Live”? Do you think they can continue these numbers? Let us know in the comments below.