SUMMARY
- AEW is going through a tumultuous time at present as WWE is back on top and putting out a lot of good content.
- However, a recent report from Forbes has revealed AEW's true valuation and it is not as bad as fans may think.
Since the arrival of AEW in 2019, Tony Khan has clear aims regarding his promotion. He has worked hard and built an empire of highly skilled wrestlers and has also given some unforgettable moments in these initial years of the company. As things stand, fans are divided in the wrestling community between AEW and WWE which shows how much the stakes have been raised.
The company had a frenzied beginning during which AEW provided wrestling fans with a much-needed alternative. With all the new tools to the table, AEW started as a real competition to the WWE and was seemingly finding success in its mission. With new and improved wrestlers, presenting style, and changed environment, AEW seemed a huge deal.
With talents like Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, MJF, and many more top stars, AEW started with a lot of excitement and blew the roof off with their new product. Fans seemed to like the competition they gave to WWE. Almost 5 years after starting the company, AEW has been ranked in 3rd position by Forbes under their Most Valuable Combat Sports Promotion of 2024.
The most valuable pro-wrestling promotions in 2024:
WWE — $6.8 Billion / Est. 2023 revenue: $1.33 Billion
AEW — $2 Billion / Est. 2023 revenue: $250 Million
(Source: @Forbes) pic.twitter.com/hlus2WsE9c
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 18, 2024
Regretfully, the company’s golden period came to an end in the autumn of 2022, and they have since had difficulty recovering. The ongoing injuries, poor booking choices, Cody Rhodes’ exit, and the whole CM Punk vs. AEW controversy have severely damaged the promotion’s credibility.
With a lot of heat regarding their product, Tony Khan’s company has managed to be in the top 3 of the list just behind WWE and UFC, as per Forbes. It shows how hard has Tony worked and invested in the company over these years. With a valuation of $2 Billion, AEW has boosted itself again and might be a tough competition for WWE in the upcoming years.
A ‘New Era’ has ushered in the WWE creating problems for Tony Khan
As the valuation numbers are encouraging for AEW, their weekly ticket sales and viewership say otherwise. Tony Khan’s AEW is not on a smooth run when it comes to tickets for their weekly shows which seems to deteriorate each week. Despite several high-profile bouts, the attendance for AEW Collision, Rampage, and Dynamite seem to not match the expectations.
In addition, the crew is using camera cuts and zoom-ins to divert the attention of the supporters from the sparse attendance at the arena. A concerted attempt is being made to avoid deploying full-arena camera images just yet.
The low ticket sales for AEW Dynamite are nothing new, and they align with WWE’s shift in focus and direction. With Triple H taking on the job of Head of Creative, WWE has been on a roll with their new product. This new product has earned them 2nd spot in most valuable combat sports promotions with a valuation of around $6.8 Billion.
The WWE has brought in a new era for the fans with the addition of Cody Rhodes as champion. The more changes Triple H brings to the table, the more enthusiastic the WWE Universe appears to get. Now that WrestleMania XL is history, the WWE Universe’s viewers and fans around the globe adored it. It demonstrated the extent of WWE’s production changes.
Things have altered for the company since the massive merger between the WWE and UFC to become the TKO Group. WWE’s primary goal with their massive production tactics is to create enthusiasm for their product by adding authenticity to the storylines and promos. The fans adore these modest embellishments, which also enhance the show itself.
LMFAOOOOOOO THE AEW FANS WERE CHEERING FOR CM #PUNK DURING THE VIDEO FOOTAGE 😭
It couldn’t get any worse than that 💀 pic.twitter.com/e9Yxtr1FGD
— AFTAB Qayuum (@AFTABBAGHORIYA) April 11, 2024
The problems for Tony Khan’s business got worse after the Young Bucks promo on AEW. The company ultimately confirmed CM Punk’s claims, which they had made in an attempt to humiliate him with the All In 2023 footage. Only time will tell if AEW will be able to bounce back in terms of ticket sales and the overall quality of the show shortly.