10 Ups & 10 Downs For AEW In 2019

1. The 800k Problem

AEW Dynamite
AEW/TNT

Regular readers (or even title observers) of WhatCulture’s Ups & Downs from AEW Dynamite column will know that this writer is very, very fond of the show. It hasn’t finished with a negative Ups-to-Downs ratio since debuting for the reasons outlined in this article’s positive half, but that’s where the subjective/objective argument kicks in.

Subjectively, Dynamite might satisfy fans with certain tastes. Objectively, it lost 800,000 viewers between 2 October and 27 November.

Caveats can and should be applied here - it’s a young product, there isn’t enough data to identify trends, etc. - but Dynamite, in its current form, isn’t doing enough to maintain an audience beyond its hardcore base. Whatever the reasons behind this are (and there are many), it’s now up to the promotion to act accordingly and stop the rot. This means changes that appeal towards untapped groups of potential viewers and not just lapsed WWE fans and the AEW diehards who’ll tune in every week regardless.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” is a cliche, but applicable. Alarm bells shouldn’t be sounded just yet. Still, these short-term concerns can’t be allowed to become long-term concerns.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.