Unveiling the Triumph of AEW: Defying Doubts and Celebrating Success

Carl Charlbury
Armchair Leg Drop
3 min readJan 1, 2024

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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 30, 2023.

In the dynamic world of professional wrestling, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been a constant subject of discussion, especially regarding attendance concerns. Despite the ebb and flow that characterized 2023, AEW stands resilient, proving that success is multifaceted and not solely defined by weekly attendance figures.

A Rollercoaster Year for AEW

Image via Ricky Havlik & AEW

The downside commenced after a historic milestone as AEW orchestrated the grand spectacle, All In, at Wembley in London. This monumental event etched its name in history, racking up the most tickets ever sold for a Professional Wrestling show. However, the following weeks witnessed a fluctuation in weekly show attendance, sparking discussions within the internet wrestling community.

Naysayers, Empty Crowds & Resilience

Image via AEW

Critics emerged, amplifying their voices through pictures of seemingly empty arenas, particularly focusing on the ‘hard-cam side.’ The narrative of AEW’s impending downfall echoed through the online wrestling sphere, with many speculating that the company’s demise was imminent. These problems have been detailed by Shawn Van Horn of TheSportster.

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Tony Khan, the CEO and President of AEW, faced the brunt of these critiques. Despite recent challenges in selling out arenas for weekly shows, Khan remains undeterred. Notably, the pay-per-view (PPV) attendances throughout the year have been solid, as detailed by Wrestlenomics, showcasing a distinct upward trend in AEW’s 2023 buyrates.

A Glimpse of Positivity & Tony Khan’s Perspective

Image via AEW

Amidst the storm of skepticism, a glimmer of positivity emerges. Recent footage from Dynamite at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida, provided by Twitter user nikoexxtra, showcases a vibrant, packed audience, passionately engaged throughout the show. This footage serves as a visual testament to the resilience of AEW and its ability to captivate audiences.

As reported by POST Wrestling, in a recent ROH Final Battle media scrum, Tony Khan addressed the persistent criticism aimed at AEW. With conviction, he stated,

“To be AEW is to be under constant attack. You do a great show and the next day somebody’s saying something negative.”

Khan’s unwavering commitment to his vision is evident, emphasizing that external noise does not sway his focus.

The Road Ahead

Image via AEW

As we navigate the complexities of AEW’s journey, only time will reveal the full extent of Tony Khan’s resilience. The question lingers: Can AEW continue to produce some of the best wrestling shows of 2024? The answer lies in the company’s ability to adapt, innovate, and capture the essence of what makes professional wrestling an enduring spectacle.

AEW remains an enigma in the wrestling world, defying odds and overcoming challenges. The recent Dynamite crowd footage serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of AEW and its ability to bounce back. As we look ahead, let us celebrate the triumphs, acknowledge the challenges, and anticipate a future where AEW continues to redefine the landscape of professional wrestling.

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As the wrestling community continues to dissect AEW’s narrative, one thing is clear: AEW is not just a wrestling promotion; it’s a resilient force that thrives in the face of adversity. Let the journey of triumphs and challenges unfold, and may AEW’s legacy continue to shine brightly in the realm of professional wrestling.

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Carl Charlbury
Armchair Leg Drop

Carl Charlbury of ArmchairLegDrop.com is a lifelong professional wrestling fan who started with JCP/WCW & views the industry through the eyes of a "Humble Mark"