AEW Knew You WOULDN'T Watch This Week's Dynamite Live
AEW boss Tony Khan had a pretty interesting strategy for this week's Dynamite.
AEW boss Tony Khan knew that ratings for this past Wednesday's episode of Dynamite would be down due to the fact they were going head-to-head with the World Series.
According to Wrestling Observer chief Dave Meltzer, Khan deliberately loaded up his show with returns for Colt Cabana and Katsuyori Shibata so word of mouth would spread and people would check Dynamite out via DVR after the fact.
That's why Jeff Jarrett debuted for the promotion too - Tony thought social media engagement would coax fans into watching Dynamite on Thursday or Friday and keep numbers respectable. The AEW boss was certain his flagship would take a major hit because of the Phillies vs. Astros game three excitement.
Cabana was reintroduced as a surprise opponent for reigning ROH World Champion Chris Jericho. Meanwhile, Shibata set up a match opposite Orange Cassidy, and Jarrett debuted by attacking Darby Allin; he was later announced as AEW's Director of Business Development by Khan.
The general idea was to produce a newsworthy show that'd catch some buzz on socials and lure in viewers on the backend. It remains to be seen if that strategy paid off.