WWE Raw ratings up for WrestleMania Backlash fallout

Last night’s Raw numbers were up from last week even with stiff competition from both the NBA and NHL playoffs.

Little is available at press time past Raw averaged 1.65 million viewers overall, and drew a 0.44 rating in 18-49 and a 0.30 rating in 18-34.

The show went against both the Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies NBA playoff games, but still did Raw’s best numbers for total viewers over the past three weeks. The 18-49 number tied for Raw’s second-lowest number of the year among USA Network airings of the show, beating only last week’s episode.

Raw was up four percent in viewers, up 16 percent in 18-49, and up 36 percent in 18-34 from last week. The increase is likely due to coming off the WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view, since nothing was announced for the show aside from Theory vs. Cody Rhodes for the United States Championship.

As compared to one year ago, when Raw was in the ThunderDome, but also not going against NBA or NHL playoff competition, the show was down nine percent in viewers and down 17 percent in 18-49, while staying even in 18-34.

With the decrease in homes getting USA Network, the real percentage rating drop from last year would be two percent in viewers, 11 percent in 18-49, but an eight percent increase in 18-34.