AEW Dynamite Suffers Record Low Viewership Drop Following Schedule Change

Published 06/02/2021, 9:24 AM EDT

AEW set the wrestling world on fire with Double or Nothing, which marked its first PPV with live fans back in the stands. Daily’s place was rocking with excitement as the stars delivered the best they could. Fans expected this to be the crowning moment of the promotion and its progression against WWE.

However, ‘Pride before the Fall’ became a reality for Tony Khan as AEW suffered a shocking collapse in viewership for Dynamite. The latest episode of the show, which aired on Friday night after WWE SmackDown last week, registered numbers below 600,000 in the 18-49 demographic. Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez confirmed the same on Twitter.

AEW: 526,000
18-49: 0.20
— Bryan Alvarez (@bryanalvarez) June 1, 2021

Article continues below this ad

This disheartening drop in numbers doesn’t really signify a good thing for AEW since Dynamite was expected to hit high numbers. This is considering the fact that it was a prelude to Double or Nothing that took place on Sunday night.

Furthermore, it is kind of a tongue-in-cheek moment for Tony Khan, considering the fact that he cut ‘that’ heated promo against WWE President Nick Khan a few hours before the show aired. AEW will look to pick up on its ratings over the next few weeks.

AEW Dynamite aired at an unusual timing

A major factor in this drop is that it aired at an unusual time after WWE SmackDown. AEW Dynamite normally takes place on Wednesday nights but the show was forced to move to Friday due to NBA airing during the original slot.

Watch this story: The Undertaker, The Fiend and More: Scariest Superstars in WWE History

Fans wouldn’t mind watching shows side by side as was the case with NXT and AEW on Wednesday nights. But Having Dynamite right after a 2-hour long SmackDown is a bit too much wrestling for most viewers.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by WWE (@wwe)

Article continues below this ad

The opening segment wasn’t too convincing to keep fans hooked for another show. However, AEW will have to endure the same timings this week as well, yet another cause for concern.

The new show Rampage will also debut soon, leaving a lot of business in the promotion’s hands. So far, Tony Khan has made a lot of moves and fans wonder if at some point it may become too much to handle.

Article continues below this ad

After Double or Nothing, viewers have faith in AEW and we can expect the best of content from the promotion in the weeks to come.

Britt Baker Claims She Is the Face of Wrestling After Victory Over Hikaru Shida at AEW Double or Nothing

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Luke Dias is a senior WWE and AEW author at EssentiallySports, having published more than 1000 articles on professional wrestling. Having completed courses in Advanced Writing from the University of California and Media and Ethics from the University of Amsterdam, Luke is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Xavier’s College. His tremendous knowledge of WWE history enables him to make past connections, adding depth to the articles.

AEW Dynamite Suffers Record Low Viewership Drop Following Schedule Change

AEW Dynamite aired at an unusual timing

Trending

Bo Dallas’ Uncle Howdy & Matt Hardy’s Return Date Seemingly Finalised After Bray Wyatt Connection Emerges

“Boring Champion”: Cody Rhodes Loses IWC Confidence Days After Beating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL

Sheamus’ Raw Return Marred by Overweight Allegations Online Following 8 Month Hiatus

“Yuck”: New WWE Tag Team Titles’ Design Allegedly Leaked & Draws Flak Days After Triple H Crowns Miz & R Truth New World Tag Champs

Is Ruby Soho’s Pregnancy Part of AEW’s Storyline With Angelo Parker? All Details Revealed After Huge Announcement