smackdown does numbers, flynn teases raw debut with bullet club

[The Prince of All Saiyans]

The premiere episode WWE SmackDown on the USA Network drew a 1.93 rating with 2,757,000 viewers, significantly higher than what the show was doing on Syfy. It was the most-watched episode of SmackDown since April 2015.

By comparison, here's a look at SmackDown viewership for the month of December:

• 12/3: 2,044,000 viewers
• 12/10: 2,133,000 viewers
• 12/17: 2,332,000 viewers (Final non-holiday show on Syfy)
• 12/22: 2,264,000 viewers (Live Tuesday special on USA Network)

12/31: 1,658,000viewers (Final episode on Syfy & New Year's Eve)

Finn Balor spoke to WWE.com this week to discuss the reports of AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura and members of the Bullet Club leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling and jumping ship to WWE.

Here are some highlights of what Balor said about:

Shinsuke Nakamura: "We didn’t clash so much in the ring. But outside of the ring, I can honestly say he was one of my one, true Japanese friends I made in the eight years I was in Japan. I spent a lot of time with him outside of the ring just living life. He’s a very cultured guy, and he thinks outside the box. I think we hit it off with our appreciation for just trying to be different."

AJ Styes: "AJ Styles’ reputation speaks for itself. He’s one of the best in-ring performers on the planet, ever. To say this would be a coup is an understatement."

Making His Main Roster Debut With The Bullet Club: " I am very ambitious. And I want to be in the place that is causing the most controversy and getting the most media attention and getting the most focus put on it. I did that in New Japan, I did that in NXT. And perhaps, in the future, if Bullet Club were to arrive on Monday Night Raw, there would be no better way for Finn Bálor to make his debut than with his best friends by his side."

what y'all think? does he actually have anything going on in nxt?

James Storm spoke with Bill Apter this week about his decision to return to TNA, his time working with Triple H in NXT and more. Here are the highlights of what he said about:

Why He Returned to TNA:

“You know to me I got unfinished business to do and basically to support my family. That's what it came down to. I was in contract negotiations with different people and what it all boiled down toImpact Wrestling gave me the best offer.”

Fans Criticizing His Decision:

“They can say whatever they want to say if they want to say negative stuff about me I don’t care. Because they don’t know the whole story. There’s a lot that went on behind the scenes.”

His Brief NXT Stint:

"With me in NXT, it's a mutual agreement. The door is still open. I talked to Hunter and to me he's one of the greatest minds and one of the best guys I've talked to, especially business-wise."

future stooge obviously

 

[Silkk]

Matt Flynn done finessed his way into another check

 

[Champagne Kudo]

Dean The Draw

 

[23Barrettcity]

Dean The Draw

Dirty deeds = ratings

 

[The Prince of All Saiyans]

Dirty deeds = ratings

 

[Champagne Kudo]

Dirty deeds = ratings

 

[MushroomX]

Dirty deeds = ratings

Xanax on a Pole Match, for the IC title, vs. Jericho.