Head-to-Head with WWE’s Premium Event Proves Challenging for AEW

AEW’s “Collision” faced a significant setback in the ever-evolving wrestling ratings war this past Saturday night. The episode, which aired on TNT, pulled in an average of 327,000 viewers. This marks a sharp 41.8% decline from the previous week, setting a record for the lowest viewership in the show’s history. Equally concerning for AEW was the 18-49 demographic rating for “Collision,” which stood at a mere 0.08. This represents a 55.6% drop from the previous week, making it the lowest demographic rating for the show to date.

The competition from college football broadcasts undoubtedly played a role in the dip. However, the primary factor was the direct clash with WWE’s “NXT No Mercy.” Historically, the four episodes of “Collision” that have seen the lowest ratings have all been on nights with WWE premium live events.

A Look at the Numbers:
Over the past 11 weeks, “Collision” has seen its ratings ebb and flow. When compared to the 10-week averages, this week’s episode saw a 36.3% decrease in viewership and a 52.9% drop in the 18-49 demographic.

The Bigger Picture:
The wrestling landscape is more competitive than ever. While AEW has made significant strides since its inception, nights like this serve as a reminder of WWE’s enduring dominance, especially when it comes to premium events. The question now is how AEW will respond and adapt to ensure “Collision” remains a must-watch for fans.