In a concerning turn of events, the viewership for the September 15, 2023, episode of AEW Rampage took a significant nosedive. According to early overnight data, the episode only managed to attract 321,000 viewers, with a mere 115,000 falling within the crucial 18 to 49 age demographic, resulting in a .1 rating.
This sharp decline is especially troubling when compared to the show’s previous performances.
Impact of WWE’s Strategic Moves AEW’s most recent episode faced stiff competition as WWE strategically featured The Rock on their SmackDown show. This calculated move by WWE appears to have drawn a substantial portion of the audience away from AEW Rampage, leading to a substantial drop in ratings.
Historical Performance of AEW Rampage For context, the episode that aired on September 8th had garnered 371,000 viewers, with 162,000 falling in the 18 to 49 demographic. This was already a slight decline from prior episodes, with the September 1st episode drawing 372,000 viewers and the August 25th episode attracting 337,000 viewers. The 18 to 49 demographics for these episodes were 132,000 and 155,000, respectively.
Going further back, AEW Rampage consistently achieved viewership figures ranging from 304,000 to 434,000 in early August and July. These statistics underscored the show’s relatively stable viewership, making the recent decline all the more concerning.
The Path Forward for AEW Rampage The challenge now facing AEW Rampage is to strategize and devise ways to recapture their lost audience. With WWE making assertive moves, AEW must elevate their game to remain competitive in the wrestling entertainment industry.
The wrestling community eagerly awaits Tony Khan’s next moves, as he plays a pivotal role in AEW. The hope is that AEW can reinvigorate the show and win back the viewers who have recently tuned out.