WWE Hall of Famer Believes AEW Needs to Improve Storylines, Creating Stars

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As a gamer who has been following and immersed in the world of professional wrestling for decades, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows of both AEW and WWE. While AEW had a promising start with its flagship show, AEW Dynamite, hitting 1.4 million viewers on TNT, it’s disheartening to see the numbers dwindle over time, now hovering around 700,000 viewers.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is approaching the conclusion of its initial TV deal. When Tony Khan’s new wrestling promotion launched under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella, their flagship show, AEW Dynamite, debuted with 1.4 million viewers on TNT. Over the following two years, viewership figures rose and fell before consistently hovering around one million per week. Currently, AEW Dynamite attracts approximately 700,000 viewers. Despite the general decline in cable television audiences affecting all broadcast programs, a WWE Hall of Famer suggests that certain aspects of AEW’s product may be negatively impacting its viewership.

WWE Hall of Famer Details Two Areas For AEW Improvement

Booker T thinks AEW needs storylines and stars.

In a recent episode of his podcast, The Hall of Fame, WWE Hall of Famer and current NXT commentator Booker T suggested two areas where All Elite Wrestling (AEW) could make improvements: enhancing their storylines and developing new stars more effectively.

Booker T expressed his viewpoint by stating, “I could tell you this one time, or a thousand times, but the essence is all about shaping stars. I believe that’s why NXT stands out so much today – it’s because it’s an exceptionally well-crafted show. The performers embody their roles flawlessly, and they do so consistently. There are numerous talents in AEW who can excel in their roles, there’s no question about it. However, without a compelling narrative or that distinctive feel, it seems as though something is amiss.”

In late 2021, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) reached its peak popularity. During this period, AEW had recently signed two highly influential wrestlers, CM Punk and Bryan Danielson, significantly boosting their star power. Concurrently, episodes of AEW Dynamite were centered around the feuds that are still considered AEW’s most significant, specifically CM Punk vs. MJF and Hangman Page vs. Kenny Omega. Meanwhile, WWE was not as well-liked by fans as it is currently, as it neared the end of the Vince McMahon era, which received considerable criticism.

Booker T expressed his viewpoint: “I believe their struggles have nothing to do with WWE. Previously, the show was pulling in higher ratings, but now those numbers are declining. This suggests that fans feel disengaged, needing something to keep them interested, focused, and invested in AEW. The weekly viewership needs to be sustained, and it seems changes are needed. I feel the show requires a reformat, and additional support.”

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2024-08-30 22:41