
The Wrestling Boom: Acknowledging the Success We're Witnessing
- Jeremy Erick
- Jul 12, 2023
- 3 min read
Welcome to the Don't Say The F Word Podcast, where we discuss all things wrestling. In today's episode, we're here to shed light on an undeniable truth that some of us have been hesitant to admit: we are currently experiencing a wrestling boom. From increased attendance to skyrocketing merchandise sales, wrestling is thriving in ways that cannot be ignored. So, let's dive in and explore the various aspects that prove this boom is real, despite the one area where it might not seem apparent—the TV ratings.
Rising Metrics, Except for TV Ratings:
While the TV ratings might not be reaching the heights of the Monday Night Wars era, almost every other metric in the industry is experiencing significant growth. Attendance at live events is soaring, fans are streaming matches and creating popular YouTube videos, and the financial numbers are nothing short of impressive. In fact, wrestling shows like RAW, SmackDown, Dynamite, and Collision have all secured spots in the top 5 cable shows currently airing.
WWE: The Hottest It's Been in Years:
For WWE fans, there's no denying that the company is currently enjoying an extraordinary surge in popularity. This is the hottest WWE has been in a very long time, and the evidence is clear. With attendance records being shattered and merchandise sales skyrocketing, WWE is experiencing a level of success that is hard to overlook.

AEW: Breaking Non-WWE Records:
AEW, the alternative wrestling promotion, is also making waves in the industry. While critics may find reasons to nitpick, the reality is that no other company has achieved the attendance and merchandise numbers that AEW has, since the days of WCW. It's essential to appreciate AEW's accomplishments and the positive impact they have had on the wrestling landscape.

Unprecedented Numbers and Achievements:
Let's take a moment to reflect on some remarkable statistics that illustrate the current state of wrestling. Although Forbidden Door fell just shy of full capacity, it still attracted an impressive audience of around 13,000 people. Think about it—how many other companies, apart from AEW or WWE, can claim to have drawn such massive crowds in North America? The answer is zero. Not Ring of Honor, not Impact, nor any other promotion can boast of reaching that level of attendance.

Thriving Indie Scene:
The wrestling boom isn't limited to the major promotions alone. Even the smaller independent companies are seeing record-breaking numbers. WrestleCore, one of our esteemed partners, has witnessed its highest attended shows in the history of the company just this year. It's a testament to the overall health and growth of the wrestling industry.

Appreciating the Positive:
In light of the current state of wrestling, it's time to shift our focus away from the negative and embrace the positive. Whether you are a fan of WWE, AEW, or the independent scene, there's no denying that the sport is thriving. It's crucial for us as fans and enthusiasts to appreciate the greatness we are witnessing. Wrestling has come a long way, and the image from AEW's Forbidden Door event speaks volumes. We haven't seen a crowd like that in a non-WWE wrestling show from 2000 to 2019.

Conclusion:
As we conclude today's discussion, we hope to have shed light on the undeniable wrestling boom we are currently experiencing. From rising attendance and merchandise sales to the significant achievements of both WWE and AEW, it's clear that the industry is thriving. Even the smaller indie promotions are enjoying unprecedented success. So, let's embrace this positive momentum and appreciate the greatness that wrestling offers, regardless of our individual preferences. The future looks bright, and we can't wait to see what lies ahead for the world of wrestling.

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