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.
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