This past Friday’s SmackDown took place at the GIANT Center in Hersey, Pennsylvania. John Cena kicked off the show and announced that he was the host of Payback. Jimmy Uso interrupted Cena and said that Cena and Roman are exactly alike. The 16-time World Champion then said that the wrong Uso quit WWE. Jimmy attempted to hit a Superkick, but Cena blocked it and delivered an Attitude Adjustment.
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory defeated Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar in a Tag Team match.
Bobby Lashley came to the ring along with Street Profits and said that they were coming for power, control, and championships.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn defeated Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde in a Tag Team match.
Shotzi defeated Bayley with help from Charlotte Flair.
In the main event, Solo Sikoa defeated AJ Styles with help from Jimmy Uso.
According to Nielsen via Wrestlenomics, the September 1st episode of WWE SmackDown drew 2.443 million viewers on FOX and a 0.65 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
The previous episode (August 25) drew 2.647 million viewers on FOX and a 0.78 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
WWE SmackDown viewership & ratings for the past few weeks
| Episode of WWE SmackDown | Viewership | 18-49 demographic |
| September 1st | 2.443 million | 0.65 |
| August 25th | 2.647 million | 0.78 |
| August 18th | 2.094 million | 0.55 |
| August 11th | 2.097 million | 0.55 |
| August 4th | 2.248 million | 0.62 |
| July 28th | 2.323 million | 0.61 |
| July 21st on FS1 | 1.230 million | 0.36 |
Stay tuned with The Spotlight for more news.