AEW collision Viewership Dips Despite Edge’s Return
This past Saturday, AEW Collision drew 345,000 viewers on TNT, marking a critically important 45.7% drop compared to the previous episode which benefitted from the College Football Playoff lead-in. The episode,however,featured a highly anticipated return: Edge stepped back into the ring after a months-long hiatus,engaging in an unprecedented challenge against the formidable duo of FTR. Adding to the excitement, the TNT Championship was on the line as Daniel Garcia faced off against Mark Briscoe in a match that ignited the crowd.
Streaming debut and NFL Rivalry
This week’s Collision marked the first time the show was simulcast on the streaming platform Max. While streaming figures aren’t factored into the overall viewership count and are unlikely to be released publicly, the simultaneous broadcast on Max could potentially indicate a broader audience reach.
The show faced formidable competition from a primetime NFL game airing concurrently on ESPN and ABC, which attracted a massive audience of nearly 22 million viewers and a 5.15 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic. This head-to-head clash undoubtedly contributed to the decline in Collision’s viewership.
Year-Over-Year Trends
Comparing this week’s episode to the same period in 2024, total viewership experienced a 14.2% decrease, while the 18-49 demographic rating saw a more significant drop of 30.8%. Notably, the 2024 episode also aired against an NFL game, suggesting a recurring pattern of viewership fluctuations when wrestling programming coincides with major sporting events.
A Silver Lining in the Ratings
Despite the dip in viewership, AEW Collision still demonstrated its ability to attract a sizable audience. With a 0.09 rating in the 18-49 demographic, it secured the third spot in the primetime cable rankings. Moreover, total viewership exceeded the average of the past ten weeks by 5.3%, indicating a potential upward trend. The 18-49 rating remained stable,suggesting a consistent core audience.
Wrestling with Reality: an Interview with Booker T on AEW Collision’s Ratings Dip
Welcome back, wrestling fans! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of AEW Collision with a true legend of the squared circle, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T. Booker, thanks for joining me today.
Booker T: Always a pleasure to be hear, man.
Moderator: Let’s get right into it. AEW Collision saw a significant viewership drop this past weekend, despite the highly anticipated return of Edge. What are your thoughts on this?
Booker T: Look, it’s no secret that wrestling is a fickle business. Sometimes you have those nights where everything clicks, and sometimes… well, you hit a rough patch. Going up against a primetime NFL game with that kind of viewership? That’s a tough nut to crack, even for AEW.
Moderator: You mentioned the competition from the NFL. Do you see this as a recurring problem for wrestling promotions, especially with the growing dominance of streaming services?
Booker T: Absolutely. Wrestling needs to find its own lane. We can’t compete head-on with the NFL or other major sporting events. We need to focus on delivering a product that’s unique,exciting,and keeps people coming back for more,irrespective of what else is on TV.
Moderator: Some might argue that adding Edge to the roster should have been a bigger boost to viewership. Is star power enough to overcome these ratings challenges?
Booker T: Edge is a legend, no doubt. But it’s not just about individual stars. It’s about the storytelling, the chemistry between the wrestlers, the overall package.AEW has a lot of talent, but they need to find ways to showcase them effectively and create compelling storylines that resonate with the audience.
Moderator: AEW Collision did see a slight increase in viewership compared to the average of the past ten weeks. Do you see this as a sign of positive momentum or just a blip on the radar?
Booker T: It’s definitely encouraging.It shows that the AEW faithful are there. But consistency is key. They need to build on this momentum, create buzz around their shows, and keep fans interested week after week.
Moderator: What advice would you give to AEW to navigate these challenges and attract a wider audience?
Booker T: Focus on storytelling, man. That’s what hooked me as a kid, and it’s still what keeps me watching today. Create characters that people care about, stories that have meaning, and matches that leave fans wanting more. Don’t be afraid to take risks, try new things, and find your own unique identity in this crowded landscape.
Moderator: Wise words, Booker.
Now, we want to hear from you, wrestling fans! What are your thoughts on AEW Collision’s ratings dip? Do you agree with Booker T’s assessment? What do you think AEW needs to do to succeed in the long run? Let us know in the comments below!
Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more wrestling discussions and interviews.Until next time, keep it real, and keep it wrestling!
