WWE vs. AEW in 2025: Which Promotion Is Winning the Ratings and Fan Wars?
WWE vs. AEW in 2025: Which Promotion Is Winning the Ratings and Fan Wars?
By Ali Hammad June 09, 2025 09:26
The professional wrestling landscape in 2025 is defined by the ongoing rivalry between WWE and AEW, two promotions vying for supremacy in ratings, fan engagement, and market share. As both companies continue to innovate and expand, the question remains: which promotion is winning the ratings and fan wars? A close examination of recent viewership data, live event attendance, and fan sentiment reveals a complex picture of competition and growth.
TV Ratings: A Competitive but Shifting Landscape
AEW’s flagship show, Dynamite, has shown resilience despite facing stiff competition from sports broadcasts and WWE programming. In mid-May 2025, Dynamite averaged approximately 682,000 viewers on TBS, marking its highest cable viewership since September 2024. The show also posted a 0.176 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, a critical measure for advertisers and network executives. This represented a solid week-over-week increase from the previous 629,000 viewers and 0.16 demo rating on May 7.
However, AEW’s ratings have seen a decline compared to previous years. For instance, Dynamite’s average viewership in early 2025 is down roughly 20% from April 2024, with a more pronounced 38% drop in the coveted 18-49 demographic. This decline is partly attributed to increased competition and the fragmentation of audiences across streaming platforms, as AEW’s content is also available on HBO Max, with streaming viewership figures not publicly disclosed but believed to add significant numbers.
WWE’s weekly shows, including Raw and SmackDown, continue to command larger audiences overall. According to Wrestlenomics, WWE’s programs consistently outdraw AEW’s Dynamite and Collision in total viewers, with Raw frequently topping 2 million viewers per episode and SmackDown averaging around 1.5 million. WWE’s broader reach through network television and its established brand presence contribute to these higher numbers.
Live Events: Market-to-Market Battles
Live event attendance also paints a nuanced picture. In May 2025, WWE and AEW held numerous shows across North America, with WWE generally drawing larger crowds in major markets due to its longer history and larger venues. However, AEW has made significant inroads, particularly in secondary markets and regions where its alternative style and storytelling resonate strongly. AEW’s ability to cultivate passionate fanbases in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Atlanta has helped it compete effectively on the live event front.
Fan Engagement and Cultural Impact
Beyond raw numbers, fan sentiment and engagement are crucial. AEW has carved out a niche as the “alternative” wrestling product, appealing to hardcore fans and younger demographics with its emphasis on in-ring action, creative storytelling, and a more sports-centric presentation. WWE, meanwhile, leverages its global brand, star power, and multimedia platforms to maintain mainstream appeal.
Becky Lynch, WWE’s top female star, recently remarked on the evolving wrestling scene: “Competition pushes us all to be better. Fans win when both companies bring their A-game.” This sentiment reflects a broader recognition within the industry that the rivalry fuels innovation and excitement.
Challenges and Outlook
AEW faces the challenge of stabilizing and growing its television audience amid a crowded entertainment landscape, while WWE must continue evolving to retain younger viewers and adapt to changing consumption habits. The streaming era complicates direct ratings comparisons, as many viewers now watch wrestling on-demand or through digital platforms.
In 2025, WWE maintains an edge in overall TV ratings and live event attendance, leveraging its established infrastructure and global reach. However, AEW’s growth, particularly in key demographics and passionate fanbases, signals a vibrant and competitive wrestling market. Both promotions are winning in different ways WWE with scale and tradition, AEW with innovation and niche appeal. For wrestling fans, this competition ensures a dynamic and exciting future.
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