Category: AEW Dynamite

Networks React To Revised AEW & WWE Nielsen Numbers (After Change In Way Ratings Are Calculated)

The numbers are in, and they’ve got people talking across the wrestling world. With Nielsen officially rolling out its new “Big Data + Panel” system, both WWE and AEW have seen noticeable dips in their TV ratings this week — and that’s raising a few eyebrows inside the industry.

While streaming has become a major player for both promotions — “WWE Raw” now living on Netflix and AEW airing live through HBO Max — traditional Nielsen ratings still carry major weight for networks, advertisers, and executives. The new hybrid data method, designed to more accurately reflect viewing habits across devices, has reshuffled the deck, leaving wrestling shows looking weaker on paper than before.

AEW Keeps Calm Amid The Shift

According to Fightful Select, AEW is keeping a close eye on the situation. Sources say Tony Khan understands the new methodology inside and out thanks to his well-known love of numbers and analytics. While the updated system might make week-to-week trends look rough, AEW still benefits from its simulcasts on HBO Max — even if those exact streaming figures aren’t being publicly shared. Reports suggest about 500,000 viewers tune in weekly to stream “Dynamite” and “Collision.”

A contact within Warner Bros. Discovery (AEW’s media partner) downplayed any panic, noting it’s far too early to make judgments with such a small sample size. The source also pointed out that AEW and WWE both ran head-to-head with Major League Baseball this past week, a sport that — along with college football and the NFL — has actually benefited from Nielsen’s new approach.

When asked if this change could spark talk of cancellations, the WBD insider reportedly laughed off the idea, saying that topic always comes up but is “never actually on the table.”

Interestingly, the new data system has one upside for AEW — it’s expected to end the use of “fast national” ratings, those early estimates that often circulated within hours of broadcast. Because Nielsen’s new reporting adds another day’s delay, those quick-turn numbers will no longer offer an accurate read, potentially eliminating a common talking point in the ongoing WWE–AEW ratings rivalry.

WWE’s Network Partners Weigh In

Over in WWE’s corner, USA Network and The CW are also monitoring the changes. While Raw has made the jump to Netflix, “SmackDown” remains on USA and “NXT” airs weekly on The CW — both still reliant on traditional TV numbers.

A USA Network source told Fightful they’re discussing the new metrics internally, but they’re not alarmed. The feeling is that while the numbers might suggest wrestling isn’t as “hot” as it looked under the old system, the overall value of WWE programming remains undeniable. WWE content continues to deliver strong returns at relatively low costs — something USA has appreciated for decades.

The CW didn’t comment, but the network has reportedly been pleased with NXT’s performance since day one. The shift in ratings measurement isn’t expected to change that enthusiasm.

TNA’s Situation & Industry Impact

One WWE insider did note that the updated Nielsen process could make things tricky for TNA Wrestling, which is currently seeking a new television home. Even so, company president Carlos Silva told Fightful the issue hasn’t come up during negotiations, and discussions with potential partners are still moving forward.

Meanwhile, talent across the major promotions have reportedly felt little direct impact, aside from a few more tweaks to production and travel schedules than usual.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Nielsen’s overhaul is shaking up how TV success is measured, but the wrestling industry has weathered plenty of changes before. Between the rise of streaming, shifting network priorities, and a fan base that consumes content in more ways than ever, the true picture of viewership might take months — if not years — to fully understand.

For now, one thing’s clear: both WWE and AEW are still drawing millions of passionate fans every week, no matter how the math gets crunched.

Andrade Returns to AEW and Aligns with the Don Callis Family

Andrade El Idolo has officially made his way back to AEW, closing the loop on one of the most unusual journeys we’ve seen in modern wrestling. After bouncing between WWE and AEW over the last few years, Andrade has now returned to Tony Khan’s promotion, making his shocking reappearance during the sixth anniversary episode of Dynamite.

The surprise came at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino when Kenny Omega was addressing the fans. Just as Omega was wrapping up a heartfelt promo, the arena lights went out. When they came back up, a masked figure was lurking behind Omega — only to unmask himself as Andrade. The former WWE and AEW star wasted no time reminding fans of his intensity, drilling Omega with his signature move, The Message. Moments later, he shook hands with Don Callis, officially joining forces with the Callis Family.

This return also marks a unique milestone: Andrade is now the first wrestler to make the jump from WWE to AEW, return to WWE, and then head back to AEW again. His career path has been anything but conventional, and this latest twist keeps him firmly in the spotlight.

What Led to His AEW Comeback?

Andrade’s WWE comeback earlier this year was short-lived. Reports suggest he was released in mid-September after disciplinary issues, despite still having significant time left on his contract. With no non-compete clause in play, AEW was able to bring him back immediately. According to Fightful Select, Andrade has signed on full-time with AEW, meaning fans can expect to see him regularly on Dynamite and Collision moving forward.

His first AEW run ended somewhat chaotically, with rumors of a backstage altercation with Sammy Guevara and speculation he was pushing to leave early. Despite that, Tony Khan spoke highly of him upon his 2023 departure, leaving the door open for a return — a door Andrade has now walked back through.

Andrade vs. MJF Brewing?

The timing of Andrade’s comeback is also interesting considering his recent online back-and-forth with MJF. What started as a playful exchange about meeting up in Mexico quickly escalated, with Andrade challenging Friedman to a potential Mask vs. Hair match. MJF brushed it off, but not before throwing some personal jabs Andrade’s way, referencing his divorce from Charlotte Flair and past backstage conflicts.

With Andrade now standing alongside Don Callis, who has been staking claims against the Hurt Syndicate (MJF’s crew), it feels inevitable that these two will cross paths sooner rather than later.

What’s Next for El Idolo?

Outside of AEW, Andrade is also booked for House of Glory’s Superclash on November 15th, though his opponent has yet to be announced. With AEW and TNA talent also set to appear at the event, his schedule looks busier than ever.

One thing is clear: Andrade’s latest AEW run isn’t just a cameo — it’s the start of a new chapter. And with Don Callis in his corner, it might be the most dangerous version of Andrade El Idolo we’ve seen yet.

AEW Dynamite 6th Anniversary Preview 10/1/2025

AEW Dynamite’s 6-Year Anniversary 2.5 hour special airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

  • TNT Championship Match: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Orange Cassidy
  • Mixed Tag Team Tornado Match: Darby Allin & AEW Women’s Champion Kris Statlander vs. Wheeler Yuta & Marina Shafir of the Death Riders
  • Trios Match: Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Daniel Garcia & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page, Powerhouse Hobbs & Samoa Joe
  • Trios Match: Josh Alexander & The Young Bucks vs. AEW World Tag Team Champions Brodido (Brody King & Bandido) & Kenny Omega 
  • Jurassic Express Returns (“Jungle Boy” Jack Perry & Luchasaurus)
  • “Timeless” Toni Storm to appear live

AEW Announces Women’s Tag Team Championship

AEW just added a major piece of gold to its women’s division. On this week’s Dynamite, AEW President Tony Khan revealed that the company will be rolling out Women’s Tag Team Championships for the very first time.

In a backstage segment, Khan praised the growth of the division over the past year, noting the expanded roster, stronger storytelling, and the increasing spotlight on women’s matches. That momentum now leads to a brand-new prize for the women’s roster to fight for — and one that fans have been speculating about for months.

After Khan’s announcement, Renee Paquette was on hand to unveil the brand-new championship belts, giving fans their first look at the titles that will soon be up for grabs. While no tournament or match details were confirmed, AEW has teased that the process to crown the inaugural champions is already in the works.

Since AEW’s launch in 2019, the company’s women’s division has primarily revolved around singles competition, with the AEW Women’s World Championship and TBS Championship serving as the cornerstones. Now, with the addition of Women’s Tag Team gold, the division has more opportunities than ever to showcase its depth and build new rivalries.

AEW’s investment in its women’s division has been noticeable in 2025, with more screen time and storyline development given to the roster. The Women’s Tag Team titles could be the next big step in solidifying that progress, opening the door for fresh alliances, rivalries, and long-term storytelling.

The question now is simple: which duo will make history as the first champions?

AEW Dynamite Preview 9/24/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET and emanating from the Peterson Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

  • Fallout from All Out
  • AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Kris Statlander (c) vs. Interim ROH Women’s World TV Champion Mina Shirakawa
  • Don Callis Family’s Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita Hechicero) vs. The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Hologram & mystery partner) – The mystery partner is expected to be Orange Cassidy
  • Tony Khan to make an important announcement

Update On AEW Return Of Orange Cassidy

After six months on the shelf, Orange Cassidy is finally on his way back to AEW programming. The former International Champion has been out since March with a torn pectoral muscle, but all signs point to his long-awaited return this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite.

Over the weekend, Cassidy’s Conglomeration allies Mark Briscoe and Kyle O’Reilly all but confirmed his involvement in a six-man tag match. Dave Meltzer later reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Cassidy has officially been cleared to compete, setting the stage for his comeback bout.

On Dynamite, Cassidy will join Briscoe and Hologram to face three members of The Don Callis Family. That group has been steadily expanding in recent months, keeping busy feuding with The Conglomeration. Most recently, Kyle Fletcher and Josh Alexander scored a big win over O’Reilly and Tomohiro Ishii on the August 30 edition of Collision, adding more fuel to this faction rivalry.

Cassidy’s last appearance before the injury came back in March, when he fell short in a four-way eliminator for the AEW International Championship. That title has since been unified, but Cassidy’s impact on the belt — and AEW as a whole — can’t be understated. Since joining the company, he’s wrestled more than 250 matches, becoming one of the true workhorses of the roster.

This six-month layoff marks the longest absence of Cassidy’s AEW career, making his Dynamite return all the more significant. Fans will no doubt be eager to see if “Freshly Squeezed” can pick up where he left off and re-establish himself as one of the company’s most reliable stars.

AEW September to Remember 9/17/2025

The AEW 3-hour September to Remember (Dynamite and Collision) special airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET, emanating from Canada Life Place in London, Ontario, Canada.

This is the go-home show for Saturday’s All Out pay-per-view.

  • AEW Unified Championship Eliminator Match: The Beast Mortos vs. Mascara Dorada (Winner faces Kazuchika Okada and Konosuke Takeshita at All Out)
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship 4-Way Ladder Match Qualifier: Don Callis Family’s Hechicero and Josh Alexander vs. Top Flight (Darrius and Dante’ Martin)
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship 4-Way Ladder Match Qualifier: Kip Sabian and Killswitch vs. Jetspeed (Kevin Night and Mike Bailey)
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship 4-Way Ladder Match Qualifier: Bang Bang Gang’s Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn vs. Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson)
  • Christian, Copeland and FTR to go face-to-face (Heavy fines if both teams get physical)
  • Hangman Adam Page and Kyle Fletcher AEW World Title contract signing for All Out
  • No Holds Barred Match: Queen Aminata vs. “The Toxic Spider” Thekla 
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Toa Liona 
  • Spotlight on AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm
  • Roderick Strong vs. Jon Moxley
  • Riho vs. Robyn Renegade 

AEW Dynamite Preview 9/10/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  • Bryan Danielson joins the commentary team full-time
  • Shelton Benjamin vs. Ricochet 
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone’ and Emi Sakura vs. Alex WIndsor and Riho
  • Grudge Match (Non-Title): AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Josh Alexander 
  • Philly Street Fight (Non-Title): AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Skye Blue 

Tony Khan Reveals Bryan Danielson’s New Full-Time Role On AEW Dynamite

Bryan Danielson is officially back on AEW television every week—just not in the way fans might have expected.

AEW President Tony Khan announced on social media that “The American Dragon” will be joining the AEW Dynamite commentary team full-time, starting this Wednesday in Philadelphia. The episode will also mark the end of AEW’s residency at the historic 2300 Arena, with the final show from the venue taking place on the September 11th edition of Collision.

What isn’t clear just yet is how Danielson fits into the current broadcast booth. The regular Dynamite lineup features Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, and Taz, but Khan hasn’t said whether Danielson will replace someone or if the announce desk will expand into a four-man team. If a shake-up does happen, it’s possible the odd man out could shift over to Collision, where Nigel McGuinness currently calls the action.

Danielson’s move to commentary comes nearly a year after he stepped away from full-time competition. His brutal defeat at the hands of Jon Moxley at WrestleDream last October signaled the end of his run as AEW World Champion and his full-time in-ring career. Since then, Danielson has made limited appearances, including a win over Max Caster in June and a cameo at All In, where he aided Hangman Page against Moxley.

Fans also got a preview of what to expect from Danielson behind the desk earlier this summer when he provided guest commentary on the August 20th episode of Dynamite and again at Forbidden Door on August 24th. Both outings were well received, with viewers praising his insight and ability to blend technical knowledge with personality.

Now, with a headset on instead of boots, Danielson’s presence on Dynamite will give fans a weekly look into the mind of one of wrestling’s most respected performers. Whether he eventually transitions back into the ring or sticks to the desk, the AEW faithful are guaranteed a fresh voice calling the action every Wednesday night.

AEW Honors Taz at 2300 Arena With Low-Key Tribute Before Dynamite

AEW was set to celebrate Taz on this week’s Dynamite in Philadelphia, but plans shifted just before showtime. Instead of an in-ring ceremony at the legendary 2300 Arena, Tony Khan opted to honor the ECW legend in a more personal way—with a live video posted to social media just an hour before the broadcast.

The eight-minute clip featured Khan sitting down with Taz to reflect on the surprise announcement of his induction into the 2300 Arena Hall of Fame. While AEW had intended to acknowledge the honor on TV, Taz revealed he personally asked for the tribute to be scaled back, explaining that he didn’t want to take the spotlight away from the current AEW roster.

Even with the toned-down approach, AEW still made sure the moment carried weight. Khan confirmed that Taz’s Hall of Fame banner had been officially raised inside the arena before Dynamite went live on TNT and HBO Max, giving fans in attendance a chance to see the recognition firsthand.

The rest of the video saw Taz and Khan breaking down that night’s Dynamite card, blending the tribute with AEW’s usual hype for the show. It wasn’t the big in-ring celebration fans may have expected, but it was a fitting nod to a man whose legacy is forever tied to the 2300 Arena and its hardcore history.