Booker T Claims WWE is Not Responsible for AEW’s Ratings Decline

Since its debut in 2019, AEW has experienced numerous changes and significant growth. However, not everything has been smooth for the company. Booker T believes that AEW’s recent decline in ratings is not related to WWE.

AEW President Tony Khan is at the helm of everything that goes on in the company, but things haven’t been going all that well for AEW for over a year now. After all, the June 19th edition of AEW Dynamite drew concerning television ratings, with only 502,000 viewers and 0.16 key demo rating, which was a record-low for the show.

While speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T suggested that AEW could improve by reformatting their programming to better engage audiences and focus on developing new stars. He emphasized the importance of creating compelling stories and memorable characters, comparing AEW unfavorably to NXT, which he praised for its well-executed show and role-playing.

“I can say it once, I can say it a thousand times, but it’s about creating stars. I think it’s about creating a show. I think that’s why NXT is so good right now because it’s a really, really damn good show. The guys play their roles and they play their roles very, very well. You got so many guys in AEW that can play their role, no doubt about it, but without that story, without that feel, it feels like you’re missing something. I could be wrong, but that’s just my opinion.”

Advertising

Advertising

Booker T also addressed AEW’s declining ratings, noting that the show has struggled to retain viewers. He believes the issue is not related to WWE but rather a need for AEW to rethink its approach to attract and maintain a larger audience. According to Booker T, AEW’s recent ratings, which have been lower than in the past, reflect a lack of engagement and motivation among fans, suggesting that the company needs to make significant changes to its programming.

“I don’t think it has anything to do with WWE. I really don’t think it has anything to do with WWE why they’re not clicking on all cylinders.

I think their last show did, like, 600 and, you know, some odd K number, but that right there is not a big number at all for that show. That show was doing bigger numbers and the numbers are falling off just to let you know that the fans even feel like they’re not doing something to keep them motivated, to keep their attention, to keep them on that AEW ride, to keep that number up on a weekly basis. So it’s something that they got to change and I feel like, there again, the show needs to be reformulated. You need more help.”

We have also revealed whether the all-time low viewership had any effect on AEW’s media rights deal with Warner Bros Discovery. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether AEW will be able to improve its dwindling ratings in the coming months.

Do you agree with what Booker T had to say regarding AEW’s steady decline in viewership? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!