Eric Bischoff Comments on NXT Beating AEW Dynamite in Ratings: “Not Surprised”

Wrestling industry veteran Eric Bischoff recently shared his thoughts on WWE NXT’s victory over AEW Dynamite in their recent head-to-head ratings battle. Speaking on his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff stated he wasn’t surprised by NXT’s ratings win, citing the show’s stronger branding and current appeal to fans. NXT’s event, held at the legendary ECW Arena with appearances by ECW legends, brought in 619,000 viewers, while AEW Dynamite drew 523,000.

Why Bischoff Believes NXT Outperformed AEW Dynamite

Bischoff pointed to NXT’s unique appeal and growing interest as reasons for its success, especially for a show that aired outside its usual Tuesday slot due to election coverage. “NXT is a hotter brand, it’s just that simple,” Bischoff said, emphasizing that the appeal of seeing an NXT show from the historic ECW Arena—alongside appearances from iconic ECW personalities—had a clear impact on viewer numbers.

Many anticipated that AEW would prevail, especially given the viewership risks associated with changing NXT’s schedule. However, Bischoff noted that WWE’s strategy paid off, leveraging nostalgia and unique attractions to create a special atmosphere for fans.

Bischoff on AEW’s Declining Attendance and Discount Strategy

Bischoff also addressed recent announcements by AEW about offering a 40% discount on remaining 2024 show tickets, aimed at boosting attendance after a period of lower sales. He praised the move, calling it a positive first step, but emphasized that the core issue lies in the company’s storytelling approach. “It likely won’t be enough because unless there’s meaning behind the matches that they advertise in advance, unless the audience is emotionally connected…it won’t matter,” Bischoff explained.

Bischoff, who has been openly critical of AEW’s reliance on random matchups without storyline depth, suggested that the company must focus on engaging narratives and pre-advertised matches to strengthen fan connections. He believes that if AEW addresses these fundamental issues, the company could achieve a successful year-end turnout.

By prioritizing emotionally resonant content and unique experiences, Bischoff implies that AEW could bridge the gap and recapture fans’ interest in both weekly broadcasts and live events, potentially closing the viewership gap with WWE’s flagship brands.