While this week’s edition of Monday Night RAW never stood much chance in the ratings and Cable Top 150 Rankings by being matched up with Monday Night Football for the first time this year, it’s a different story for SmackDown Live.

Last week, the blue brand was knocked off its perch by the series premiere of Mayans MC. Would that still be the case this week. The ratings for last night’s SmackDown Live are in and it’s another slight drop for the blue brand with a 2.229, a 3.9% decrease from last week and third straight week the rating has slipped. Here’s a look at the last four weeks of ratings for the blue brand:

• August 21st: 2.437
• August 28th: 2.350
• September 4th: 2.319
• September 11th: 2.229

As for the Cable Top 150 Rankings in the key 18-49 demographic, SmackDown Live was able to move up a spot this week after being dropped out of the number one spot last week for the first time in over a month:

1. Mayans MC – FX – 0.78
2. SmackDown Live – USA Network – 0.72
3. The Purge – USA Network – 0.46
4. *TIE* Below Deck Mediterranean (Bravo) /The Challenge: Final Reckoning (MTV) – 0.45

EA’s Take: Ratings for both RAW and SmackDown Live continue their post-SummerSlam slide, which was always my expectation. There’s a more concrete reason for it when it comes to Mondays however, due to Monday Night Football, so the blue brand really has no excuses. They’re basically maintaining their share of the 18-49 demographic and the new Mayans show saw a significant drop their from last week. So the lane is open for SmackDown Live to take back over their usual number one spot, it’s just a matter of how they get it done. I’ve talked before about how they have a lack of mainstream appeal, something I don’t see changing until the program moves to FOX.

Continue following TheChairshot for all the latest skull smashing opinion, news, reviews and so much more! @theCHAIRSHOTcom on Twitter
Always #UseYourHead