UPN smacks demo win

'WWF' wins adults for first time in its history

By RICK KISSELL

UPN pinned down another ratings milestone Thursday when wrestling program "WWF Smackdown" helped the netlet place first for the night in adults 18-34 -- the first time it's pulled this off on any night in its 5-1/2-year history.

Airing opposite coverage of the Republican National Convention in its second hour, "Smackdown" also placed second in adults 18-49 (3.2/10), topping Fox (2.6/9), CBS (2.0/7) and the WB (1.2/4) and tying ABC. Other demo victories included men 18-34 (5.1/21), men 18-49 (4.0/14), total teens (5.2/20) and, of course, male teens (8.1/30).

From 9-10 p.m., UPN was also the most-watched network on television (8.5 million viewers).

Thursday's episode featured highlights from wrestler the Rock's appearance at the convention on Wednesday.