:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50725599/051_RAW_09052016hm_0530--b9cba14883b34d5f25a9642d8fdcf1c5.0.jpg)
Ratings for the Monday, Sept. 5 broadcast of Raw were delayed due to the Labor Day holiday here in the United States.
That, and a college football game on ESPN that won the night, also hurt the numbers for the first episode of the Kevin Owens era.
At 3.069 million viewers, the show was down 10% from last week’s 3.31 million. It also experienced drops throughout the night, including a third hour exodus:
Hour one: 3.35 million
Hour two: 3.07 million
Hour three: 2.79 million
The episode was top-loaded, with the intrigue concerning Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley addressed in the beginning while a stakes-free main event anchored the show. Whatever the rationalization, however, those numbers aren’t going to please anybody.
For comparison’s sake, the Labor Day episode in 2015, featuring build toward Seth Rollins vs. Sting at Night of Champions, drew 3.338 million viewers.
For complete results and the live blog from Raw click here. For a recap with reactions to all the night's events click here. To watch highlights of the show click here.