AEW President Tony Khan is confronting challenges as he prepares for the upcoming Collision event. On February 25, 2026, AEW Dynamite aired live from Denver, Colorado, in front of a packed arena, featuring high-stakes matches and storyline developments, with the primary focus on the World Championship Texas Death Match scheduled for Revolution on March 15 between MJF and Hangman Adam Page.
The February 25 edition, known as Mile High Madness, highlighted several notable moments, including Jungle Jack Perry pinning AEW National Champion Ricochet in the main event. Additionally, Swerve Strickland addressed his recent attack on Kenny Omega, Brody King issued a challenge to Swerve, Jon Moxley won an eliminator match, and The Babes of Wrath retained their titles by disqualification.
Viewer Numbers Show Decline Amid Ongoing Storylines
Despite impressive match quality, Dynamite’s audience on TBS fell to 633,000 viewers, according to Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer. The program registered a 0.12 rating in the key 18–49 demographic, a drop of 59,000 viewers from the previous week’s episode, which attracted 692,000 viewers with the same rating. Although this represents a 5.9% increase compared to February 26, 2025’s 598,000 viewers, the key demographic experienced a significant 33.3% decline. This dip in core viewership raises concerns about AEW’s capacity to expand its audience ahead of major events.
Injury on Dynamite Alters Women’s Tag Team Title Match Outcome
The AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship match this week was impacted when Penelope Ford suffered an injury during a moonsault attempt from the ring to the outside, targeting Harley Cameron and Willow Nightingale. Medical personnel quickly attended to Ford, forcing an immediate change to the planned finish of the match, in which she teamed with Megan Bayne to challenge The Babes of Wrath.
Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer later reported that Ford’s injury was an ankle sprain and not as severe as initially feared, projecting her return within a few weeks. This injury adds strain to AEW’s women’s division as they adapt their storylines and match cards.
AEW’s Current State Raises Questions About Future Prospects
Tony Khan’s leadership faces growing pressure due to fluctuating viewership figures and unexpected complications such as injuries just before high-profile events like Collision and Revolution. The noticeable decline in the key demographic suggests challenges in maintaining and growing the audience base. Meanwhile, injury-related setbacks underline the unpredictability AEW must manage in delivering consistent performances. How Khan and AEW adjust their strategies in response will be critical in shaping their future success within the competitive wrestling landscape.
AEW Dynamite viewership & 18-49 ratings drop https://t.co/qozMgAlW5G
— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) February 28, 2026
