WWE Raw is packing in more fans, but AEW Dynamite is struggling to keep up, with both promotions experiencing very different attendance trends in the first quarter of 2025.
Raw averaged 13,600 fans per show, a significant jump from 11,400 during the same period last year. SmackDown also saw a slight increase, moving from 11,200 to 11,400.
Meanwhile, AEWs numbers tell a different story. Dynamites average attendance dropped from 4,100 to 2,700, while Collision saw a slight bump, going from 3,000 to 3,500.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWEs surge in Raw attendance can be linked to the Netflix deal. This was due partially to all the excitement of the shows airing on Netflix at first, Meltzer said.
For AEW, the decline isnt just about fan interest but also venue choices. Some of the AEW declines were because they are booking a lot of smaller arenas, Meltzer noted. But they are also booking smaller arenas not just for atmosphere but because they were not drawing enough at major arenas for the best atmosphere.
Meltzer added that while running smaller venues saves AEW money on production and setup, it also cuts into their gate and merchandise revenue.
Why do you think AEW Dynamite is seeing a decrease in fan turnout at events? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
