Final Smackdown Rating Increases + Steve Austin Lifts PPV Demographic + Hulk Hogan Not Under WWE Contract
- The February 27th edition of WWE SmackDown pulled in a final 3.5 broadcast rating. This is an increase from last weeks 3.4 rating. Ratings tend to usually rise the first shows after a Pay Per View event, so this slight increase was expected.

Credit: Dave Meltzer @ WrestlingObserver.com

-  Medialife reported that Stone Cold Steve Austin's appearance on Pay Per View this past Sunday at No Way Out is responsible for a boost in ratings for WWE RAW. Although the rating jumped slightly, the buzz around Austin's return helped RAW place first among the 18-34 year old and 18-49 year old demographic.

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- Hulk Hogan, currently wrestling without a WWE contract but is expected to sign a 1 year deal very soon, is reportedly experiencing severe lower back pain.

This pain is expected to keep Hogan off all upcoming non-televisted WWE Live Events and possibly upcoming TV tapings for SmackDown. However, keep in mind that WWE is building up a Vince McMahon/Hulk Hogan match for WrestleMania 19 on March 30th and many expect Hogan to make upcoming SmackDown tapings despite the back pain.

Credit: Wade Keller @ PWTorch.com
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