In the lead-up to Forbidden Door 2025, AEW has experienced a significant drop in viewership and ratings during its most recent show, raising concerns among fans and industry observers. This decline was notably visible in the key 18-40 demographic during AEW Collision last Saturday, despite a card filled with high-profile matches and a surprise debut.
AEW Collision Sees Steep Drop in Ratings and Audience
Last weekend’s episode of AEW Collision, held ahead of the season’s big crossover event Forbidden Door, attracted only 286,000 viewers with a 0.06 rating in the crucial 18-40 age group. This marks a 32% decrease in viewership compared to the 423,000 viewers and a 0.08 rating from the previous week. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer shared these numbers on X/Twitter and highlighted the heavy competition Collision faced, including NFL preseason, UFC prelims, and NASCAR events.
“Collision was way down from recent weeks, 286K/0.06, against NFL preseason, UFC PPV prelims, NASCAR among others,” Meltzer said.
This downturn comes despite AEW Collision featuring major storyline developments and star appearances, factors that typically draw higher ratings for the promotion.
Key Moments and Returns on AEW Collision Ahead of Forbidden Door
AEW Collision’s recent show was packed with notable moments that could have implications for Forbidden Door. A major highlight was the surprise debut of Ace Austin, who faced Ricochet in a competitive match; Tony Khan later confirmed Austin as an official member of AEW.
The show also opened with Toni Storm encountering Athena and Billie Starkz, only for Mina Shirakawa to make a long-awaited return to support her friend and balance the confrontation. Harley Cameron also returned early in the night, involving herself in the multi-woman brawl that followed a four-way match for a $100,000 prize.
Other matches on the card included appearances by Jon Moxley, Paragon, and Juice Robinson. The main event featured a four-way technical match between Nigel McGuinness, Hechicero, Lee Moriarty, and Daniel Garcia. This contest was especially important because the victor would earn a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship held by Zack Sabre Jr. Nigel McGuinness ultimately secured the win.
The Road Ahead for AEW as Forbidden Door Approaches
AEW has built a reputation this year for strong pay-per-view performances, and Forbidden Door 2025 is expected to continue that trend with an exciting lineup. However, the recent decline in Tony Khan AEW viewership decline raises questions about whether the promotion can maintain momentum and satisfy fan expectations going forward.
Both AEW Dynamite and Collision will air special episodes from Glasgow prior to the event, aiming to reignite interest and build anticipation. The company faces mounting pressure to reverse the recent ratings slump and deliver a high-caliber event that can restore confidence among its audience.
