AEW’s recent event, “All In 2023,” was nothing short of historic, drawing a massive crowd of over 81,000 fans to Wembley Stadium in London. However, the subsequent buzz for the upcoming “All Out” event seems to be on a lower note. The reason? Most of the “All Out” matches were announced only after the “All In” event, and it’s the second pay-per-view within a week.
Bully Ray, a WWE Hall of Famer, has voiced concerns over AEW’s strategy. Speaking on a recent episode of “Busted Open,” Ray highlighted the risk AEW is taking by potentially burning out its fan base. He pointed out that the interest, especially among AEW’s key demographics, is waning. The evidence? A less than expected turnout for the “Dynamite” show, especially surprising given it was held in Chicago, a city known for its passionate wrestling fans.
Ray further emphasized that while factors like CM Punk’s suspension might have affected the interest in “All Out,” the main issue lies in the lack of compelling storylines and must-see matches. He cited the example of the Samoa Joe and Shane Taylor match, expressing that while it’s a match he’d like to watch, it doesn’t have the “must-see” factor.
In conclusion, while AEW’s ambition and rapid event scheduling are commendable, it’s essential to strike a balance to ensure sustained interest and avoid fan burnout.