WWE vs AEW: TV Ratings Survival Guide in the Streaming Era

If you’re a fan of wrestling and trying to understand how streaming services are changing the game, you’re in the right place. Let’s clear up some of the confusion about TV ratings and streaming platforms.

When you see numbers like “1,234,000 viewers” for a show, that’s known as the Average Minute Audience (AMA). This means the average number of viewers watching the program at any given minute.

Now, when it comes to streaming, things work a little differently. Platforms might measure their own data internally, not using a third party like Nielsen for traditional TV ratings.

While TV ratings reflect U.S. viewership only, streaming numbers could be global. This is particularly true for WWE on Netflix since it’s available worldwide.

One key difference is that TV ratings usually don’t include DVR views past midnight, but streaming platforms like Netflix account for viewership throughout the week, not just in real-time.

Netflix has made it easier for viewers by sharing a weekly top 10 list of global programs. They base this data on delayed viewing, reflecting how many people tuned in over the entire week.

When looking at services like Peacock, Netflix, or Max, it’s essential to question how they measure viewership. First-party data, collected by the platform itself, might have biases and conflicts of interest. Third-party data, like Nielsen, is more reliable and independent.

Now, let’s talk about AEW and WWE moving to streaming services. AEW is on Max in the U.S., but the platform is not as popular as Netflix. Max has fewer subscribers than major competitors like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, which might affect AEW’s viewership.

On the other hand, WWE’s Raw is now exclusively on Netflix, a powerhouse in the streaming world. With over 70 million subscribers in the U.S., Netflix has a massive reach that could boost Raw’s audience significantly.

However, take any viewership numbers with a grain of salt, especially if they’re provided by the service itself. Look for independent measurements to get a more accurate picture of the audience size.

In conclusion, the shift to streaming platforms opens up new opportunities and challenges for wrestling companies. While the landscape might seem complex, understanding how ratings work in this digital age can help fans navigate the changing world of entertainment.