This past Friday’s SmackDown took place at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Pat McAfee kicked off the show to welcome the fans. Austin Theory then interrupted McAfee. The former United States Championship said that SmackDown was his show. However, McAfee reminded Theory that it was the people’s show. The Rock then made his return with a huge ovation from the fans. The Great Oe told the crowd to start chanting, “You are an a– hole” at Theory. The Rock and Pat McAfee then delivered People’s Elbow to Theory.
Finn Balor defeated AJ Styles with help from Jimmy Uso.
In a backstage segment, John Cena welcomed The Rock.
Santos Escobar requested a United States Championship match from Rey Mysterio. WWE Hall of Famer granted the title match. Bobby Lashley and Street Profits interrupted LWO. Joaquin Wild and Cruz Del Toro then challenged Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins to a match. The Street Profits won the bout within a few minutes.
LA Knight defeated The Miz with a BFT.
Asuka defeated Bayley.
John Cena appeared on Grayson Waller Effect. However, Jimmy Uso interrupted Cena and said that nobody came to see Cena. Solo Sikoa then came to the ring and attacked Cena. Jimmy also attacked Cena. AJ Styles then came to help the 16-time world champion.
According to Nielsen via Wrestlenomics, the September 15th episode of WWE SmackDown drew 2.569 million viewers on FOX and a 0.70 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
WWE SmackDown viewership & ratings for the past few weeks
| Episode of WWE SmackDown | Viewership | 18-49 demographic |
| September 15th | 2.569 million | 0.70 |
| September 8th | 2.094 million | 0.53 |
| 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 |
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