Report: Adam Copeland ‘Didn’t Move’ AEW Dynamite Numbers, ‘Even Factoring In’ TBS Issues

AEW

An analysis of the numbers for Adam Copeland’s AEW Dynamite debut has revealed that his appearance ‘didn’t move’ the needle.

After his debut at AEW WrestleDream on October 1, Copeland made his Dynamite debut on the October 4 episode, reuniting with Christian Cage, albeit momentarily.

As with his company debut, the video on AEW’s YouTube channel has done impressive numbers.

However, TV viewership for the full episode of Dynamite was 800,000 viewers, compared to this week’s NXT which drew 857,000.

There were issues with TBS’ scheduling for the show, but even with those factored in, Copeland reportedly didn’t boost the numbers,

Dave Meltzer has analyzed the numbers for Copeland’s television debut in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, concluding:

“His debut on AEW television drew a disappointing rating due to the cable and DVR mess-up situation. But even factoring that in, the number would have been in the realm of usual. They went against two baseball wildcard series games as well.

“But with 800,000/0.28, Copeland, even factoring that in, did not move numbers to any appreciable degree for his TV return and mission statement.

“It looks more like he could be an entertaining character and have good matches, like Christian is, but not be a needle mover just being there.

“When someone switches promotions, as we’ve seen with Cody Rhodes and will with Jade Cargill, it’s like they come in with a fresh coat of paint. Everything is new and fresh.

“The expectations should be for Copeland to be able to have fun, have more creative freedom than he had, and have fresh matches with new opponents. As far as being a difference maker, I don’t believe there are any magic bullets.

“Even if he did pop a rating at first, and him not doing so is absolutely a disappointment, in the long run, that’s really what the reasonable hope for Copeland should be, someone who gives you good matches and interviews, does programs where they have effective and consistent stories and helps teach the younger talent.”

Next week’s Dynamite and NXT will be going directly head-to-head on Tuesday night.

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• Adam Copeland
• TV Ratings
• Dynamite
• AEW

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