Viewership numbers are in for the latest episodes of WWE RAW and TNA iMPACT!, showing a steady performance for WWE on Netflix and a continued dip for TNA on cable television.

According to Tudum, the May 18 episode of WWE RAW drew 2.6 million global views on Netflix. The show ranked seventh globally and fifth in the United States for the week. This maintains consistency with the May 11 episode, which also brought in 2.6 million global views, ranking seventh worldwide and slightly higher at fourth in the U.S.

The steady performance suggests WWE RAW continues to maintain a stable audience on the streaming platform, even as weekly rankings fluctuate slightly in domestic positioning.

Most Viewed 5/18 WWE RAW Videos on YouTube

• Brock Lesnar RETURNS to F5 Oba Femi (2.1 million views)
• Jacob Fatu challenges Roman Reigns to Tribal Combat (1.5 million views)
• LA Knight warns The Usos and Seth Rollins (537K views)
• Paul Heyman reveals Brock Lesnar has challenged Oba Femi in Italy (459K views)
• Bron Breakker and The Vision beatdown Seth Rollins and Street Profits (407K views)

Meanwhile, TNA’s weekly show saw a decline in traditional TV viewership. According to the Wrestling Observer, the May 21, 2026 episode of TNA iMPACT drew 178,000 viewers on AMC. This is down from 196,000 viewers the previous week on May 14.

This marks the third consecutive week that iMPACT! has drawn under 200,000 viewers, signaling a downward trend in total audience numbers.

In the key 18–49 demographic, the May 21 episode scored a 0.03 rating, which is identical to the rating posted on May 14. While overall viewership declined, the demo rating holding steady suggests some consistency among core viewers.

Most Viewed 5/21 TNA iMPACT videos on YouTube

The contrasting performances highlight the differences between WWE’s global streaming reach and TNA’s current cable audience trends, with RAW maintaining a strong international presence while iMPACT! continues to search for upward momentum.

5/18 WWE RAW Viewership Holds Steady on Netflix, 5/21 TNA iMPACT Declines Again

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During an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Carlito spoke about several topics, including his WWE departure, taking the spear from Bron Breakker, the possibility of returning to WWE, and more.

Did the WWE release come as a surprise? 

“No, because my contract expired.” 

But they could have renewed it?

“They could have renewed it, but I never went to them. They never came to me. So we never spoke or anything. I just was ready for whatever. I kind of shot myself in the foot because I signed the shorter deal and the usual. So I guess I bet against myself.”

Could you have been like, I would prefer some more time. Did you sign for a year?

“I signed for two years. They wanted me for three, and I signed for two because I didn’t think it was gonna go as good as it did. So, as I said, I bet against myself, and I would have got an extra year, and then my contract would expire. But ended up losing a year. But that’s all right.” 

You were part of such a great thing with Judgment Day. It was surprising that just all of a sudden you’re not there

“I still had two weeks left. I just wish they would have written me off somehow. That’s the only thing that I didn’t like. I’m a professional bro, not being in WWE is not the end of the world. So I was like, I’ll gladly come in, and you didn’t want my services, just write me off and I’ll ride off into the sunset.” 

That week where you were already released, then R-Truth gets released. There was a lot of anger from fans. You guys were the main focus of the comedic angles, and for that week, you’re both gone. Were you feeling the love during that time?

“Yeah. That’s going back to why I signed the short deal. I wanted people to care when I was going to leave the company. So I felt that people cared, it was great. People cared when I left. So I didn’t want to be those guys that, towards the end, you don’t see him on TV, and then he gets released or this contract expires, but nobody even notices. So I was glad that people noticed.”

Was there any conversation about bringing you back?

“No, it was no conversation, either way. I never spoke to them, they never spoke to me, just kind of let it run out.”

Bron Breakker broke you in half with that spear!

“Yeah, he’s fast, and it still hurts today [Laughs]. But I’m glad everyone had a little viral moment there. I saw the memes, it was funny.

Was it painful?

“Wrestling-wise, painful? Yeah, it’s not great. I mean, I don’t recommend it to everybody, but yeah, I survived.”

Carlito Talks WWE departure, Spear from Bron Breakker, Possibility of Returning to WWE

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Nikki Blackheart is reportedly scheduled to debut on NXT television this summer as part of WWE’s upcoming roster reshuffle.

According to Rope Break, the recently signed talent is expected to enter the NXT scene following SummerSlam, positioning her as a new addition to the brand’s evolving lineup. The report also noted that Blackheart previously competed in a dark match at the WWE Performance Center earlier this month under the ring name “Martinez.”

“Nikki Blackheart (who recently had a dark match in NXT under the ring name ‘Martinez’) is set to debut and be a part of the reshuffle for NXT this summer.”

It remains unclear whether the “Martinez” ring name will be used going forward or if WWE will revert to the Nikki Blackheart identity for her official television debut.

Blackheart’s journey to WWE has drawn attention due to her unconventional background. According to Bryan Alvarez, she is a former cheerleader for the NHL’s Florida Panthers who later transitioned into professional wrestling. She trained under Gangrel before gaining traction within the independent scene.

Following WrestleMania 41 in 2025, Blackheart reportedly became a priority prospect for WWE scouting, with Alvarez noting she ranked among the top five talents on the company’s post-event radar.

“Update on Nikki Blackheart and WWE: She is no longer an indie wrestler. She is a former cheerleader for the NHL Florida Panthers who trained under Gangrel. Right after Mania 2025, she ended up HEAVILY on WWE’s radar, said to be top five.”

Alvarez further stated that Blackheart received strong backing from Bayley, which helped solidify her opportunity within WWE. Her tryout reportedly took place in February, and she has since relocated to Orlando, Florida, where she is training under a standard WWE Performance Center contract, typically structured around three years.

While WWE has yet to officially announce her signing, Blackheart is believed to be among several recruits already training and preparing for television appearances as part of NXT’s next wave of talent.

Nikki Blackheart Set for NXT Debut

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