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AEW Ratings: A Rollercoaster Ride of Success and Setbacks

Introduction

Since its inception in 2019, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has emerged as a formidable rival to the industry behemoth, WWE. With its focus on high-quality in-ring action, compelling storylines, and a passionate fanbase, AEW has generated significant buzz in the world of professional wrestling. However, its ratings journey has been anything but smooth, experiencing both impressive highs and disappointing lows.

A Promising Start

aew rating

AEW's debut episode on TNT in October 2019 drew an impressive 1.4 million viewers, showcasing the potential of this upstart promotion. The company continued to gain momentum in the following weeks, with ratings hovering around the 1 million mark. This early success was attributed to the excitement surrounding the new promotion and the star power of its roster, which included former WWE stars such as Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, and Cody Rhodes.

Sustained Success

Throughout 2020, AEW maintained its strong ratings performance. The average viewership remained above 900,000, with occasional episodes breaking the 1 million threshold. This consistency demonstrated that AEW had found a loyal audience that appreciated its unique brand of wrestling.

AEW Ratings: A Rollercoaster Ride of Success and Setbacks

The Pandemic Impact

Like other sports and entertainment industries, AEW was not immune to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the company was forced to move its shows to an empty arena, which significantly affected the atmosphere and potentially the interest of viewers. Ratings began to decline, dropping below 800,000 on average.

A Slow Recovery

As the pandemic restrictions eased, AEW resumed running shows with limited live audiences. However, ratings struggled to regain their pre-pandemic levels. The company experimented with different time slots, including a move to Friday nights, but the results were mixed.

Introduction

A Recent Surge

In recent months, AEW has experienced a resurgence in its ratings. The arrival of CM Punk, a former WWE Champion and one of the biggest names in wrestling, has helped boost interest in the promotion. Additionally, AEW's storytelling and in-ring action have been widely praised, leading to positive reviews and increased viewership.

Financial Implications

AEW's ratings performance has a significant impact on its financial health. High ratings attract more advertising revenue, which is essential for the company's growth and stability. Conversely, low ratings can lead to reduced advertising revenue and even financial losses.

The Future of AEW

Despite the recent surge, AEW's ratings journey is far from over. The company faces stiff competition from WWE and other wrestling promotions. Additionally, it needs to maintain its creative momentum and continue to attract new viewers.

Table 1: AEW Weekly Ratings (2019-2022)

Date	Viewership
October 2, 2019	1.4 million
November 6, 2019	1.3 million
December 11, 2019	1.1 million
January 8, 2020	1.2 million
February 5, 2020	1.1 million
March 4, 2020	950,000
April 1, 2020	850,000
May 6, 2020	780,000
June 3, 2020	820,000
July 1, 2020	890,000
August 5, 2020	930,000
September 2, 2020	910,000
October 7, 2020	870,000
November 4, 2020	830,000
December 2, 2020	810,000
January 6, 2021	820,000
February 3, 2021	840,000
March 3, 2021	860,000
April 7, 2021	880,000
May 5, 2021	870,000
June 2, 2021	850,000
July 7, 2021	830,000

Table 2: AEW Yearly Average Ratings

Year	Average Viewership
2019	1.2 million
2020	900,000
2021	850,000

Table 3: AEW Key Milestones

Milestone	Date
Debut episode	October 2, 2019
First episode over 1 million viewers	November 6, 2019
Move to empty arena due to COVID-19	March 4, 2020
Return of live audiences	May 29, 2021
Arrival of CM Punk	August 20, 2021

Table 4: AEW vs. WWE Ratings

Week	AEW (Dynamite)	WWE (Raw)	WWE (SmackDown)
September 20, 2022	930,000	1.8 million	2.4 million
September 27, 2022	910,000	1.7 million	2.3 million
October 4, 2022	890,000	1.6 million	2.2 million
October 11, 2022	870,000	1.5 million	2.1 million
October 18, 2022	850,000	1.4 million	2.0 million

Tips and Tricks

Create compelling storylines and characters. AEW's success is largely due to its focus on strong storytelling and well-developed characters.
Offer a diverse roster. AEW's roster includes wrestlers from various backgrounds, styles, and demographics, which appeals to a wide range of viewers.
Innovate and experiment. AEW is not afraid to try new things, such as introducing new match types and storylines.
Engage with the fans. AEW actively interacts with its fans through social media and other platforms, creating a sense of community.
Build a strong brand identity. AEW has developed a distinct brand identity that sets it apart from WWE and other wrestling promotions.

Conclusion

AEW has had an eventful journey in the world of professional wrestling. Despite its initial successes and recent setbacks, the company remains a formidable force in the industry. By continuing to deliver high-quality content and engaging with its fans, AEW has the potential to maintain its strong ratings and continue to grow its audience. The ratings battle between AEW and WWE is far from over, and it will be fascinating to see how both companies adapt and evolve in the years to come.