Wrestling Boom Period Is Over as WWE and AEW Ratings Collapse

The wrestling world just got a harsh reality check—and Dave Meltzer isn’t sugarcoating it. According to the veteran analyst, both WWE and AEW are watching their ratings nosedive, and it’s a clear sign the so-called wrestling boom has officially peaked.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer addressed the concerning viewership trends for every major wrestling show. With Garrett Gonzales by his side, Meltzer broke down how shows across the board are suffering—no matter the brand or night of the week. The drop isn’t just bad—it’s historic.

“It’s not just AEW. RAW had its second-lowest number ever this week. SmackDown had its lowest ever. NXT’s down too—and there’s no sports competition. Collision tied its lowest 18–49, and Dynamite was weak even without the World Series going on. That’s everything across the board.”

Garrett asked the question on everyone’s mind—is the boom period over? Meltzer didn’t hesitate to give his verdict.

“When you look at them, the change over a two-month period is unfathomable. It’s ridiculous. People have been going like, ‘Is the boom over?’ And it’s like, the peak is over without a doubt.”

And it’s not just wrestling feeling the impact. Meltzer pointed out that UFC viewership is also dipping, showing a broader trend in how fans are tuning out across combat sports in general.

“It’s not just wrestling either. UFC’s down too. We’re seeing a shift in how people are consuming everything right now.”

Meltzer made it clear this isn’t the end of wrestling by any means—but fans, networks, and executives might want to stop pretending this is still the growth era.

“It’s not collapsing, but it’s plateaued and started to dip. Business is still strong, but the growth period—that’s done.”

With record-low ratings hitting WWE SmackDown, RAW, AEW Collision, Dynamite, and even NXT—all in the same span—it’s clear something has shifted in the viewing habits of wrestling fans.

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