10 Ups & 10 Downs For AEW In 2019

8. The UK TV Rollout

AEW ITV
AEW/ITV

News that AEW’s still-to-be-named weekly show would air on the free-to-air ITV network (available in 27 million homes nationwide) broke in March, with Tony Khan calling their new broadcasters “the best partner we could have chosen.” Exciting stuff, but AEW were ultimately unable to deliver on the implied promise of a live ITV broadcast.

A disastrous UK TV rollout saw ITV announce that Dynamite would initially air as a highlight show five days after going on the air in the United States. A shambles, particularly compared to what was originally hinted at, and while AEW were quick to cover their backsides by announcing the show would also be available via monthly FITE.tv subscription, the response to this was understandably negative.

Dynamite is now available via ITV Player less than 24 hours after going live on TNT. A better compromise, but far from perfect. This Down cannot be negated until AEW hits the target of a live Wednesday night/Thursday morning broadcast in the United Kingdom.

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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.