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AEW set the wrestling world on fire with Double or Nothing, which marked its first PPV with live fans back in the stands. Daily’s place was rocking with excitement as the stars delivered the best they could. Fans expected this to be the crowning moment of the promotion and its progression against WWE.

However, ‘Pride before the Fall’ became a reality for Tony Khan as AEW suffered a shocking collapse in viewership for Dynamite. The latest episode of the show, which aired on Friday night after WWE SmackDown last week, registered numbers below 600,000 in the 18-49 demographic. Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez confirmed the same on Twitter. 

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This disheartening drop in numbers doesn’t really signify a good thing for AEW since Dynamite was expected to hit high numbers. This is considering the fact that it was a prelude to Double or Nothing that took place on Sunday night. 

Furthermore, it is kind of a tongue-in-cheek moment for Tony Khan, considering the fact that he cut ‘that’ heated promo against WWE President Nick Khan a few hours before the show aired. AEW will look to pick up on its ratings over the next few weeks. 

AEW Dynamite aired at an unusual timing

A major factor in this drop is that it aired at an unusual time after WWE SmackDown. AEW Dynamite normally takes place on Wednesday nights but the show was forced to move to Friday due to NBA airing during the original slot. 

Watch this story: The Undertaker, The Fiend and More: Scariest Superstars in WWE History 

Fans wouldn’t mind watching shows side by side as was the case with NXT and AEW on Wednesday nights. But Having Dynamite right after a 2-hour long SmackDown is a bit too much wrestling for most viewers. 

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The opening segment wasn’t too convincing to keep fans hooked for another show. However, AEW will have to endure the same timings this week as well, yet another cause for concern. 

The new show Rampage will also debut soon, leaving a lot of business in the promotion’s hands. So far, Tony Khan has made a lot of moves and fans wonder if at some point it may become too much to handle.

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After Double or Nothing, viewers have faith in AEW and we can expect the best of content from the promotion in the weeks to come. 

Read more: Britt Baker Claims She Is the Face of Wrestling After Victory Over Hikaru Shida at AEW Double or Nothing