Ever since All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debuted in 2019, the wrestling world has been buzzing with rumors of an AEW-WWE rivalry. Opinions vary on AEW’s status as a serious WWE rival, but according to Dave Meltzer on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” WWE takes the rivalry very seriously Meltzer revealed that WWE has revealed “Fast Nationals” ratings figures, a industry collective before government estimates were released The original ratings are estimates
Meltzer shared an example of this: “On Sunday, I started getting texts from people who were like, ‘Did they really just do 122,000 and 34,000 18-49 for ‘Collision’?” explained that these stats have been provided by WWE . “For those of you who think WWE doesn’t care about AEW, or it’s a one-sided thing, AEW and WWE are fighting and it’s pro wrestling battles, OK? These pro wrestling matches are tricky, they’re brutal.” ,” Meltzer insisted.
Meltzer also pointed out how well WWE does in terms of public relations and media control, and pointed out that some media outlets are reluctant to report badly on WWE for fear of losing access to WWE events He accused WWE of providing these ratings figures, but the figures released on Sunday were likely not available early.
Meltzer’s comments highlight a broader issue within the sports entertainment industry, where media access and favorable coverage often go hand in hand. By controlling the narrative and strategically releasing information, WWE can influence public perception and maintain a positive image, even in the face of potential controversies or declining metrics.
The suggestion that WWE might be selectively leaking ratings estimates adds another layer to the discussion, implying that the company is actively managing how its performance is portrayed in the media. This practice can lead to skepticism among analysts and fans, who may question the accuracy and transparency of the information being disseminated.
Moreover, Meltzer’s distinction between the number of releases and the “instant public” highlights the complex nature of television ratings and viewership. Quick nationals are quick surveys that provide initial estimates of a show’s performance, while final estimates are often more accurate and comprehensive. In pointing out this distinction, Meltzer argues that the original reports do not reflect the show’s true audience at all, thus questioning the reliability of the figures being put forward
In this context, journalists and wrestling analysts must strike the delicate balance of maintaining access to WWE events and providing honest, substantive information for Meltzer’s insights as a supplement the subtle dynamics of sports journalism and the need to scrutinize the data dwam.
The actual ratings for the most recent “AEW Collision” episode were significantly higher, with 378,000 viewers and a 0.11 rating in the 18-49 demographic. Despite this, “Collision” has faced challenges, often struggling in its difficult Saturday night timeslot. The show is approaching its one-year anniversary, having premiered on June 17, 2023, when CM Punk was initially set to be one of its main attractions.
