All Elite Wrestling (AEW) continues to build momentum in 2024, with their flagship weekly show, Dynamite, recently drawing 711,000 viewers. This latest viewership surge is one of the best the show has seen this year, signaling a strong upswing in interest. The ratings boost has sparked widespread discussion among fans, particularly linking the increase to Brock Lesnar’s return to <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE programming.
According to Dave Meltzer of WON, Dynamite achieved a 0.18 rating in the key 18-49 age demographic. Meltzer noted,
“AEW did 711K/0.18. Doesn’t include MAX which skews heavy 18-49.”
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
The Impact of Brock Lesnar and Fan Reactions to AEW’s Ratings
While many fans celebrated the impressive ratings rise, others expressed skepticism about the cause. A number of viewers attributed the higher numbers at least partly to Brock Lesnar’s WWE appearances, suggesting his presence is drawing more attention to wrestling programming overall. The combination of AEW‘s strong content and the renewed interest sparked by WWE’s moves has fueled discussions across social media platforms.
Tony Khan Comments on WWE’s Scheduling Tactics and AEW’s Response
AEW president Tony Khan addressed the competitive scheduling between AEW and WWE during a media event for AEW’s upcoming Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Khan reflected on the ongoing rivalry and WWE’s counterprogramming strategies that aim to compete directly with AEW shows. He compared the current situation to historical wrestling schedules, expressing confidence in AEW’s approach.
“Pretty consistent. I’d say it’s the most consistent event head-to-head scheduling I’ve seen since Jim Crockett Promotions. A lot of scheduling went that way. And I can tell you this will go a lot differently than that did,” said Khan. —Tony Khan, AEW President
AEW Prepares for Forbidden Door 2025 at The O2 Arena
Looking ahead, AEW is gearing up for a major event, Forbidden Door 2025, scheduled for August 24 at The O2 Arena in London, England. This pay-per-view promises to be a key moment in AEW’s calendar, further strengthening the company’s international presence following the success of previous events such as All In 2025 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, which drew over 25,000 attendees.
With Dynamite’s ratings climbing and AEW expanding its global reach, the company appears well-positioned to continue challenging WWE’s dominance in the wrestling entertainment industry throughout 2024 and beyond.
