"That show is not doing anything to grow their audience" - Booker T criticizes AEW after Dynamite's record-low ratings
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has criticized AEW for catering to a niche audience and relying too much on delivering great matches. He recently commented on last week's Dynamite drawing its lowest ratings ever.
The June 19 edition of the show reportedly averaged 502,000 viewers, which was a 26.3% drop from the previous week. Dynamite only got a 0.16 rating in the 18-49 demo, which was down 30.4%. These are the lowest numbers that the Wednesday night show has ever garnered. It didn't go head-to-head with any major competition, which makes the situation even more concerning.
On the latest edition of the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T said AEW wasn't doing anything to grow its audience. The five-time WCW Champion believed that pro wrestling fans wanted more than just five-star matches every week, which is something Tony Khan is seemingly very big on.
"That show is not doing anything to grow their audience. They really aren't. They're bringing in talent, signing a lot of guys, but I really don't think the bulk of the wrestling fans watch wrestling just for the wrestling matches. And I think that [the] company is wrestling-heavy all the time. It's about going out and having five-star matches. And I just don't think the true wrestling fan is sitting around waiting to see a five-star match because wrestling is entertainment. It's always been entertainment," said Booker T. [47:10 - 46:52]
Booker T on AEW seemingly catering to a niche audience
AEW claims to be the promotion "where the best wrestle," as it is heavily focused on what takes place inside the ring. Meanwhile, its biggest competitor, WWE, is seemingly story-driven.
Booker T said AEW catered to a niche audience that largely tuned in to see five-star matches every week. However, he didn't think most viewers cared about such bouts.
"That company seems to literally cater to that niche of fans and I really don't think it's that many fans out there that are staying in tune to try and keep up with guys going out and having 5-star matches on a weekly basis. Nobody cares about that. Honestly, nobody cares. I want to see a great match every time the guys go out and perform but that's not what the fans really truly care about. That's just my opinion," said Booker T. [47:24-47:56]
AEW President Tony Khan posted a tweet several days ago claiming that he booked his shows for the "sickos,' which seemingly makes sense, as the promotion has a very niche fanbase.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Hall of Fame podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.