Opinion

Clark: The Ratings War Between AEW and NXT is Far From Over

Ratings are something people speculated on once the competition was announced. Does an impressive start imply a flawless victory?

Published

6 years ago

October 4, 2019

Tom Clark

Ratings are something people speculated on once the competition was announced. Does an impressive start imply a flawless victory?

Television ratings matter in the professional wrestling business. Despite what anyone says or believes, the fact is that ratings are indeed important. They may not be so important that one dip during one week is cause for alarm. It also doesn’t mean that one great week is a sign that big things are ahead. But yes, ratings do matter.

However for many fans following the industry after October 2, 2019, ratings are now of paramount importance. That’s because of the supposed war between AEW and WWE’s NXT brand. Both companies went head-to-head for the first time ever on the second day of October and the ratings revealed some earth-shattering news.

That actually wasn’t the case after all, as the numbers came back exactly the way many insiders believed they would. Various websites reported the numbers, which showed AEW bringing in nearly 1.5 million viewers for its debut episode on TNT.

NXT on the other hand, had less than 900,000 viewers for this first episode that countered AEW’s debut, which was down from the brand’s first two weeks on the USA Network. According to the reaction from some analysts, this was a thorough beating at the hands of AEW, which means that NXT is now in serious trouble. But is that really the case?

Does one week, especially the first week, automatically guarantee a win for Tony Khan’s company moving forward? It was expected that AEW would have a good first week, if for other reason than curious fans were going to tune in to see how the show looked. But is that an indication of what’s to come?

. @IAmJericho brutally attacking Cody post-match before they meet at #AEWFullGear. Are you watching #AEWDynamite? pic.twitter.com/LcXGOkvoOa

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) October 3, 2019

The big takeaway here is that while AEW did have an impressive showing in week one, the fact is that no one knows what will happen in week two. It’s easy to point to the numbers and say that it’s only going to get better moving forward for AEW. But if that’s not the case and the rating for week two are lower than expected, what happens then?

Do fans declare AEW to be D.O.A? Will the company’s haters, who have spoke out against AEW from day one, have a reason to proclaim the demise of the promotion? If AEW does indeed slide from the first to the second week, what does that mean?

On the other side of the conversation is NXT, which did not have a great week one in the ratings. With that being the case, does this now mean that WWE will do something desperate in response? Is Vince McMahon truly worried about the numbers for October 2? Or did WWE fully expect a dip due to AEW’s debut?

If NXT manages to pull the ratings up for week two, does that mean that WWE is in the driver’s seat and preparing to roll over AEW? The truth is that while it’s incredibly easy to take sides based on ratings right now, there’s just no way to know how all of this is going play out.

In a statement issued on October 3, WWE described this new ratings war as a marathon, not a sprint. There’s perhaps no better way to describe what’s currently unfolding between NXT and AEW. This is indeed a long road and there’s many miles ahead before anyone on either side can truly know what the end result will be.

The most ironic part about all of this is the fact many fans are arguing over the numbers. Those fans often complained that WWE was a monopoly in the business and that someone needed to come up and challenge them on their own turf, much like WCW once did.

But the moment that someone showed up, WWE fans began circling the wagons. AEW was met with criticism and doubts every step of the way. Instead of allowing the company to grow and ultimately find its own way, AEW was demonized for even stepping up to WWE.

Loyal AEW fans not only support the company founded by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks; they actually believe NXT is now in dire straits. Those fans feel that AEW’s dominance of the pro wrestling business will begin with NXT and end with WWE.

You heard the news! Jake Hager (@realjackswagger) showed pure destruction and domination last night at #AEWDynamite! pic.twitter.com/1aMLRebOPE

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) October 3, 2019

The notion that AEW could do enough damage that WWE will actually be forced to close down at some point, defies all logic. But that’s exactly what many fans feel is the endgame for Vince McMahon’s company. Never mind that WWE is firmly entrenched in pop culture, with deep roots that go all over the world.

Forget the fact that WWE has become an iconic company in the world of entertainment, with crossover appeal that speaks to people from all walks of life. WWE is more profitable now than ever before, thanks to the deal with FOX for Friday Night SmackDown. The company is doing just fine, but for some, that’s all going to change because of AEW.

No matter which side fans choose, the only thing that really matters is that competition is alive and well in the industry. The Wednesday Night Wars are important, not because one company will supposedly destroy the other. It’s important because with another pro wrestling show on TV, fans have another choice.

There’s something to be said for over saturation and that’s true in any form of entertainment. But AEW came along at the right time, with the right talent and the right ownership. It’s a recipe for success, if all goes well. But that success will not come overnight, just as WWE’s fate cannot be decided overnight either. This competition is only just getting started and hopefully, the fun is only just beginning.

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1