For many months, wrestling fans have been quick to criticize Tony Khan’s handling of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Numerous instances of low viewership, sparse audience attendance, and disappointing ratings have fueled this criticism. However, recent developments suggest a turnaround for AEW, as their latest performance metrics reveal an uptick in success.
Recent cable statistics indicate an improvement in AEW’s performance. AEW founder Tony Khan confidently announced that his company topped the latest UFC Fight Night ratings. This assertion has ignited a wave of excitement and renewed interest in AEW’s potential.
Did Tony Khan Outdo UFC?
Fans of mixed martial arts and wrestling are well aware of UFC’s stronghold on Fight Night viewership on ESPN. Historically, UFC has dominated this space with high ratings and substantial audience numbers. However, the Fight Night event on June 15th did not meet these high expectations.
The main event, featuring Perez vs. Taira, failed to capture the audience’s interest, leading many combat sports fans to switch their attention to TNT’s AEW Collision. Just before the AEW Collision episode on June 22nd, Tony Khan took to social media platform X to invite fans to join the celebration of their 1st-anniversary episode. Despite facing skepticism from online critics regarding AEW’s ratings, Khan remained confident.
One online wrestling enthusiast challenged Khan over AEW’s ratings. Responding directly, Khan stated, “Yes Derek, speaking of 1 year and shocking, I was also thrilled when the 1st anniversary Saturday Night #AEWCollision beat UFC head-to-head, 7 days ago.” Khan’s tweet highlighted the surprising success of AEW Collision, which drew 0.431 million viewers compared to UFC Fight Night’s 0.387 million viewers.
Yes Derek, speaking of 1 year and shocking, I was also thrilled when the 1 year anniversary Saturday Night #AEWCollision beat UFC head-to-head, 7 days ago.
What a great way to celebrate 1 year of @AEW on Saturday Nights on TNT!
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) June 22, 2024
A Moment of Triumph for Tony Khan
This victory over UFC marks a significant milestone for Tony Khan and AEW. Celebrating the first anniversary of AEW Collision with higher ratings than a UFC event is no small feat. Khan’s tweet emphasized that this was a fantastic way to celebrate the milestone.
Beyond bragging on social media, Khan’s claims are backed up by data. Fight Night’s 387,000 viewers were clear compared to AEW’s 431,000 viewers. This statistical advantage not only confirms Khan’s confidence but also shows AEW’s ability to challenge rivals such as the UFC.
Thoughts on AEW’s progress
Looking back, Tony Khan’s journey with AEW was full of challenges and criticism. However, there were times when he received support and encouragement from the biggest names in the world of wrestling. One example is wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer, who joined the discussion on X to defend Khan.
Meltzer said AEW’s pay-per-view (PPV) revenues have increased significantly and attributed this success to Khan’s strategic decisions and the hard work of everyone involved in the company. This increase is not only in PPV revenue but also in other areas of the company’s performance, including higher ratings.
Partnerships are paying off
AEW’s win at UFC Fight Night wasn’t just a win for Tony Khan, it was a win for the entire AEW franchise. Everyone deserves to be honored and commended for their role in this achievement. From the wrestlers to the backstage staff, everyone’s contributions contributed to the rise of AEW.
While many factors affect ratings and viewership, this season is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the AEW team. Tony Khan and his staff will remember this moment as they continue to build on this success.
Looking Ahead: AEW’s Future
As AEW celebrates this victory, the future looks good. With a strong fan base and improved metrics, Tony Khan’s wrestling promotion is poised to take off. The competition will continue to be fierce with the UFC and other wrestling promotions, but AEW’s recent success shows that they are a strong contender.
Tony Khan’s bold statement and subsequent validation through viewership data signaled a turning point for AEW. This victory is more than just a one-fight victory over the UFC, it means broader growth and success in the wrestling community. As AEW continues to grow, fans and critics alike will be interested in how they can make the most of this season.
