Following a record low of 398,000 viewers on New Year’s Eve, “AEW Dynamite” bounced back by attracting over 500,000 viewers for its first two episodes in January. While total viewership for last week’s episode is not yet official, early reports from Wrestlenomics and Programming Insider indicate that the show maintained a 0.08 rating in the crucial 18-49 age demographic—matching the previous week’s figure.
In January, “Dynamite” has averaged 521,000 viewers, an improvement from December’s numbers but still down 17% compared to the same time last year when it averaged 628,000 viewers. The show’s performance among 18-49-year-olds has seen a significant downturn, dropping 53% in the past year. This decline is partly attributed to changes in Nielsen’s measurement system, which debuted its “Big Data + Panel” approach last September, aiming to deliver more precise TV ratings for broadcast and cable channels.
Although official ratings for last Wednesday’s episode remain unreleased, “Dynamite” faced tough competition, contending with NBA and NHL broadcasts in the same time slot. AEW is now focused on keeping viewership above the 500,000 mark as it prepares for the upcoming Grand Slam special, set to be broadcast from Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, in February.
Fan Take:
This ratings trend is crucial for AEW fans because it highlights both the challenges and resilience of the show in a competitive sports entertainment market. Maintaining a steady audience above 500,000 viewers, especially with fresh international events like the Grand Slam, could signal AEW’s growing global appeal and long-term viability in the wrestling industry.
