Since its debut in 2019, AEW has seen significant growth and has undergone numerous changes. However, the company has faced some challenges along the way. Booker T has been one of AEWs critics, specifically pointing out issues with weak storytelling and a lack of clear creative direction.
AEW President Tony Khan is at the helm of everything that goes on in the company, but things havent been going all that well for AEW for over a year now. After all, the June 19th edition ofAEW Dynamite drew concerning television ratings, with only 502,000 viewersand 0.16 key demo rating, which was a record-low for the show.
Overall attendance and ratings continue to plummet and fans wonder just what AEW can do to improve the product. While speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T feels AEW has plateaued, particularly in viewership, with their ratings stagnating around 700,000 for Dynamite. He suggests the company may have hit its peak and could see a decline before any further growth.
Booker T criticized AEWs lack of a formal writing team and creative structure, which, in his view, impacts their storytelling and character development. He pointed out how stars like Takeshita and Will Ospreay are introduced without proper buildup or long-term planning, leading to a more wrestling-focused product rather than a show with strong narrative direction.
Booker T believes AEW is too wrestling-focused and lacks the show element that draws fans in, such as compelling stories, big entrances, and entertainment beyond the matches themselves.
We have also revealed whether theall-time low viewership had any effect on AEWs media rights deal with Warner Bros Discovery. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether AEW will be able to improve its dwindling ratings in the coming months.
What do you think of what Booker T had to say? Do you feel AEW should focus more on the television aspect of their shows? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
