Frustration Rises Among AEW Talent Over Declining Popularity

AEW made its debut in 2019 with significant momentum, reaching its peak after All Out 2021 when many believed it was poised to dominate the pro wrestling world. However, the current scenario is quite different, with AEW facing challenges in selling tickets for their shows. Therefore, it comes as no surprise there is a growing frustration among AEW talent over the company’s declining popularity.

For a long time now, AEW has been struggling to sell tickets for its weekly shows, which has become a cause of concern for many. The trend of AEW failing to sell tickets for venues has been the case for the past year and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. That’s not all as ratings for shows are on a steady decline as well.

According to Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is growing frustration among various circles within AEW. Talent attending the shows have expressed disappointment over the smaller crowds since the beginning of the year.

While Tony Khan portrays a positive image, emphasizing increased revenues and ratings, there’s a sense that overall popularity is declining. Some believe that changes need to be made to reverse the trend, while Khan continues to project an optimistic outlook.

”There is also frustration from a lot of circles since talent comes to the shows and sees the smaller crowds since the start of the year. Khan always paints a positive picture about the company being stronger due to increased revenues, or bringing up ratings, and there’s the feeling that popularity is declining overall and changes have to be made to turn it around and he’s acting like everything is fine.”

There’s a shared sentiment that AEW should avoid booking venues larger than necessary and give more emphasis on storytelling instead of booking random matches, in order to help with their current ratings downfall. Only time will tell whether AEW will eventually turn things around this year.

How do you think AEW can improve its product now? Let us know in the comments section below!