AEW Was Concerned About Fans Leaving 5/8 Dynamite Early

This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite had stiff competition from an NHL playoff game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks. The game, held in Edmonton, posed a challenge for AEW both in terms of ratings and local fan engagement.

Dave Meltzer discussed the situation on Wrestling Observer Radio, noting that there was concern fans might leave Dynamite early to watch the hockey game, which was set to draw a significant crowd. Meltzer explained that on Monday’s show, there was a large gathering scheduled in Edmonton for Oilers fans, potentially impacting AEW’s attendance.

“They did okay, the crowd…..because there was a lot of concern about the crowd leaving because of the hockey game. And a lot of people left right at whatever time it was. I think they’re Mountain Time, so it would have been eight o’clock. A lot of people left at eight o’clock. You know, they didn’t stay for the Ring of Honor stuff.

Meltzer also mentioned that fans in Edmonton are passionate about hockey, leading to a noticeable number of Edmonton Oilers jerseys throughout the venue. This passion translated into some light-hearted rivalry during the show. When AEW mentioned Vancouver, where the Canucks are from, the crowd booed loudly, especially when Kyle O’Reilly talked about wrestling in Vancouver.

”But they did stay like I was told, like, people did not leave. They wanted to see who…..because the last thing on the show was the announcement of who the Team AEW was and people did stay for that. The only reshot people all over that building in Edmonton Oilers jerseys. They were everywhere. The other, you know, because they were playing Vancouver. And when they brought up the show in Vancouver, and that, like Kyle O’Reilly talked about wrestling in Vancouver. That was probably the most boos it was you couldn’t yet tell other than Don Callis. That’s probably the most boos because of the fact that they’re playing Vancouver in the playoffs right now in Edmonton is a major hockey city.”

Quite a few things happened during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite as well. Nonetheless, fans had a great time watching the show and that is all that truly matters now.

Do you feel AEW Dynamite this week was a worthwhile show? Let us know in the comments section below!