All Elite Wrestling has quickly risen as one of the top wrestling promotions in the world in its short three years of existence. Other companies have just not been able to keep up with the momentum that AEW has brought week after week. To the praise of fans and journalists alike, AEW has just seemed unstoppable.
AEW’s only real competitor, would be Vince McMahon’s WWE, the first competition WWE has had since the fall of WCW in the early 2000’s. Any other promotion that exists at the moment, has partnered up with AEW, much to the benefit of both AEW and of the other companies such as Impact, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and AAA.
The WWE has held a monopoly on the Professional Wrestling industry for years now. At the inception of AEW, it seemed almost impossible that AEW would ever reach the same level that the WWE had reached. Yet, after just three years, AEW continues to break records. AEW’s flagship show, “Dynamite” has kept a steady viewership. Bringing in solid numbers in the ratings week to week, and averaging about 700,000 to 900,000 viewers a week. They also have a stronghold in the key 18-49 demographic, finishing in the top shows week after week.
AEW’s recent PPV success has also seen impressive results. AEW’s September PPV All Out garnered 205,000 PPV buys, with an attendance of 10,000. Full Gear, which aired a week ago, drew around 145,000 PPV, making it the companies second highest bought PPV, next All Out.
When it comes to quality of show AEW seems to just produce five star matches. Compared to their rivals WWE, AEW has significantly higher star ratings than the WWE. It’s not a surprising fact when you look at AEW’s roster. Kenny Omega, one of AEW’s top stars, has more five star matches under his belt, then the WWE has as a company in the last 40 years. AEW’s recent PPV Full Gear, has just added two more Five Star Matches under their belt.
I asked to member’s of NEC’s wrestling team for their opinions on AEW. “ AEW has more exciting fights” says Brayden Eposito, “I tried watching WWE, and I had to quit halfway through. AEW has better pacing and actually gives viewers what they want to see”. Kaden White seemed to agree with Esposito on this front. “ It’s the best promotion in the world. The WWE’s best days are behind them. They try to bring in stars that they think will bring it back but the truth is they are played out. AEW is where it’s at. That’s all I have to say”.
It’s become pretty clear that AEW has gained the popularity, notoriety, and the quality it needs to become the best professional wrestling company in the world. It may take awhile before AEW is able to reach the amount of viewers the WWE garner, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be impossible. AEW is quickly rising into the world’s greatest promotion. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I encourage you to.
