A new report from Fightful Select has provided insight into the backstage reaction within both WWE and AEW to the new television ratings measurement system recently implemented by Nielsen. The new system, referred to as “Big Data + Panel,” has caused some confusion and concern among fans, as it has generally resulted in lower viewership numbers being reported for wrestling shows. However, according to the report, neither company is publicly showing any worry about the changes. The new system combines Nielsen’s traditional panel-based data with information from a wider range of devices, including set-top boxes and smart TVs, which has altered the final numbers in unpredictable ways.
The report notes that while “a lot of education” on the new system was being done backstage in AEW when the changes began, it was not in a formal capacity. Network contacts for both promotions have reportedly given standard public relations answers, expressing that wrestling remains valuable content for their platforms. The sources that Fightful typically speaks to on these matters have not yet indicated any reason for concern.
The ratings discussion is particularly relevant tonight, as both AEW and WWE NXT will be going head-to-head with major shows. AEW is presenting a special “Title Tuesday” edition of Dynamite on TBS due to the MLB postseason, while NXT is hosting the highly anticipated “NXT vs. TNA Showdown” on The CW.
Credit Source:Â Fightful Select. Thanks for checking out this article. Make sure to follow Jeff Jarrett and all things GFE on Facebook.
