Vince Russo Blasts AEW Rampage’s Viewer Numbers: “I Would Have Fired Myself”

Vince Russo has seen a lot in the pro wrestling business. As AEW continues to lose viewership, and there is an issue with them running smaller venues, Russo had to comment.

Russo left WWE during an important time in the company’s Attitude Era to go to WCW, and he was there for a good portion of the company’s downtrend after that. He recently criticized Tony Khan for AEW Rampage’s low ratings.

Tony Khan is the driving force behind AEW’s creative vision. When it comes to AEW’s record-low viewership, Vince Russo said if he were in Tony Khan’s position, he would have fired himself.

Rampage’s November 1 episode drew only 172,000 viewers, an all-time low for the show, which airs Fridays at 10 p.m. on TNT. Speaking on Writing with Russo, Vince Russo shared his blunt thoughts on the situation.

“Bro, I swear if I was doing 172,000 viewers, I would tell Vince to fire me. I’m not lying. I knew if I did not deliver, I would be fired, and rightfully so. If I was doing those numbers, man, I would have fired myself. I would have been embarrassed.”

Tong Khan is a student of the pro wrestling business, so he’s seen companies in trouble before as well. It seems that he still has a lot of work to do if he wants to correct the direction that AEW is heading. No matter how great their creative may be, they must retain fans and get back to a higher viewership number.

Rumors have circulated that AEW Rampage could be replaced under AEW’s new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. As viewership continues to decline, the show’s future remains uncertain.

AEW does have a few people behind the scenes who are responsible for creative services, but Tony Khan is the be-all-end-all when it comes to what is seen on television. Only time will tell if AEW will ever call Vince Russo for some ideas, but it may not hurt at this point.