10 Bold Predictions For What AEW Will Look Like This Time Next Year

6. ...And Ratings Will Improve

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AEW

AEW's ratings have stagnated.

Despite only offering a more solid and logical product, and nothing tremendously exciting, Triple H's WWE has proved to be a ratings sensation (by modern standards, of course).

This thwarts one excuse made on AEW's behalf. While ratings have declined across the board to a level beyond even grim projected patterns, and TNT/TBS are available in fewer homes than this time last year, it is possible for a TV product to grow. Triple H has proved that.

Around this time last year, the paradigm appeared to have shifted. The hype surrounding AEW was incredible, and the momentum drove Dynamite into a two-week lead over Raw. This didn't end up happening on a permanent basis; perhaps curious new fans, expecting more dream matches from the dream roster, lost patience with Tony Khan's slow-burn approach to storytelling.

Now, Tony Khan could somehow resurrect Jim Londos and AEW would still max out at 0.35 in 18-49.

Things however could and indeed will change; Khan has surely learnt that he can't prolong everything forever, procuring a rights deal should enable him to relax about leaving so much on the table, and one of his biggest draws - MJF - is about to enjoy his most prominent role yet.

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Contributor
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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!