WWE Smackdown ratings from Jan. 13 show improvement from last week; is Daniel Bryan getting over as champion?
by Geno Mrosko on Jan 17, 2012 7:53 PM EST
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Though it's taken some time, it appears as though the possibility is there that Daniel Bryan as world heavyweight champion is starting to get over with viewers.
That's because last Friday night's episode of WWE Smackdown saw an big increase from the previous week, garnering a 2.18 ratings, up huge from the previous week's 1.80, which was uncharacteristically low, admittedly enough.
The competition was less stiff on Friday night but WWE has shown remarkable commitment to their storylines on Smackdown, playing them out from start to finish, at least in the main event. This has led to Bryan winning the world title and feuding with Big Show as a babyface who is slowly but surely turning heel with a character something like Kurt Angle circa 2000.
Another big reason Smackdown ratings are likely up is because they'e been doing a good job of making sure to promote it properly during Raw each week, announcing world title matches or shooting angles that lead to fans wanting to see how they pay off.
Tonight's tapings, for example, will see the explanation for the show-ending angle last week with Big Show running over Bryan's girlfriend, A.J., to bring an end to their world title match. They've also advertised Bryan vs. Mark Henry for the belt and Wade Barrett vs. Sheamus.
The booking is solid, the characters are starting to get over and believe it or not, little Daniel Bryan is really starting to catch on. His chewing out Big Show last week while Show was sobbing uncontrollably due to knocking out A.J. was a particularly nice touch and a strong close to the night, even if it left the match without a conclusion (take notes TNA).
What do you think, Cagesiders, is Bryan making you tune in each week?
To watch last week's complete episode click here.
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i think the ratings might have taken a hit
Because bryan is working a slow heel turn. Were so used to the WWE going the quick heat route, that everyone is a bit confused with things like bryans heel turn or the jericho troll job. But letting stories grow and develop is the best way to increase your audience in the long run
by hfl2013 on Jan 17, 2012 8:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
It'll take at least a few weeks to truly judge weather or not this angle is getting over.
While I’ll admit that it’s a huge step up from every other angle he’s ever been in, Danielson has still been totally humiliated for an entire year before this, and that’s a lot to disguise.
The one thing that might help is that while his babyface promos are usually horrible, he’s still uncannily good at complete asshole heel promos. It might just be enough to dig his career out from the boulder it’s been under, but with WWE’s track record on him, it’s not best to be hopeful things will work out.
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