'Throwback' WWE SmackDown Pulled In A Strong Viewership

Friday's "throwback" edition of WWE's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX drew an overnight audience of 2.157 million, the best number since late January and up 12% on last week.

The first hour drew 2.147 million and hour two increased slightly more to 2.166 million. In the 18-49 demo, the 2-hour broadcast scored a 0.60 rating, the highest since last year. In the 18-34 demo the show scored a 0.4 rating.

The show was however heavily criticized on social media for its confusing "throwback" theme which felt more 80s than 90s despite the company promoting the show with 90s graphics.

Fans were also upset that the company did not bring back one of the classic stages, instead opting for a CGI fist.

Did the CGI #Smackdown fist come from the PS1 WWE games? It certainly looks like it... 😂 pic.twitter.com/JR5jFjsJJV

— Screen Critic (@ScreenCritics) May 8, 2021