Tony Khan’s AEW ratings success was on full display as AEW Dynamite kicked off its first episode of 2026 with impressive viewership gains and a roster packed with top wrestling stars. On January 7, the company achieved significant increases in key ratings, highlighting the growing popularity and reach of its flagship program.
AEW Dynamite Attracts Record Numbers to Start 2026
The latest episode of AEW Dynamite, led by Tony Khan, brought major talent into the spotlight. Swerve Strickland, Hangman Adam Page, Jon Moxley, MJF, Bandido, Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, and Mercedes Moné were among those thrilling the live audience and viewers at home. The excitement peaked when Andrade El Idolo, a former WWE standout, made a surprise appearance by rejoining the roster and aligning himself with the Don Callis Family.
According to respected wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, the January 7 edition of Dynamite reached around 516,000 viewers. This marked a significant jump from the New Year’s Eve episode on December 31, which drew only 398,000. In the key 18-49 demographic, Dynamite scored a 0.08 rating, an improvement from the previous week’s 0.07. These figures do not count streaming views from HBO Max, where the show was available live.
Massive Engagement on AEW’s YouTube Channel
Fan engagement was not limited to television. AEW’s YouTube channel saw substantial activity, as highlights and clips from Dynamite received strong viewership. The Lights Out Match featuring Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland against Hook and Hobbs captured 143,000 views, reflecting the audience’s passion for high-stakes wrestling action.
One of the most notable digital moments was Andrade El Idolo’s return segment, which amassed 127,000 views on YouTube, making it one of AEW’s most-watched surprise comeback videos. Jon Moxley’s contest with Shelton Benjamin was another hit, gathering more than 104,000 views. Willow Nightingale’s TBS Championship celebration, which also featured a striking moment involving Mercedes Moné, garnered 96,000 views. Meanwhile, a dramatic confrontation between MJF and Bandido, in anticipation of their Maximum Carnage encounter, attracted around 84,000 views.
What AEW’s Rising Numbers Mean for Pro Wrestling
These rising viewership and engagement statistics underline AEW’s surge in popularity under Tony Khan’s leadership. By consistently featuring prominent stars like Andrade El Idolo, Willow Nightingale, and others, and by generating buzzworthy moments both on television and digital platforms, AEW Dynamite is establishing itself as a formidable force within the wrestling industry. The continued increase in ratings and online attention signals a growing fanbase and heightened anticipation for future episodes as AEW ventures further into 2026’s wrestling calendar.
