WWE SmackDown averaged 1,212,000 viewers on July 10 after CM Punk returned to the brand as Undisputed WWE Champion. The episode posted a 0.24 rating in the 18-49 demographic, the show's largest audience since May 22.
The July 10 broadcast marked an improvement from the prior week, adding nearly 150,000 viewers. The 18-49 rating fell 4 percent from the previous episode but led all cable programs that night in the key demographic.
Viewership for SmackDown has declined 17 percent since July 2025, while the 18-49 rating has dropped 40 percent over the same period. The show had struggled to stay above one million viewers in recent weeks after competing against the FIFA World Cup.
CM Punk's appearance as champion is expected to support further gains ahead of SummerSlam. It remains unclear whether the boost will produce sustained audience growth for the program.
