AEW Collision recorded the third-lowest audience in the show’s history last week, drawing an average of 281,000 viewers. The figure represents a 2% drop from the prior week’s broadcast.
The low viewership is particularly notable as the episode aired in its regular Saturday night timeslot on TNT and was not counter-programmed by a WWE main roster show. The broadcast also featured the AEW debut of former WWE talent Isla Dawn, who was defeated by Megan Bayne.
These concerning numbers come after a period of commercial success for the company, including strong performances at its Double or Nothing and All In events. This ratings dip also coincides with public scrutiny of AEW President Tony Khan’s management following a recent dispute between current and former talent over a backstage incident.
Recently retired wrestler Jake Hager detailed an alleged confrontation with Khan during a talent-only meeting that followed CM Punk’s departure. Hager claimed Khan stormed into the meeting and yelled at the wrestlers, allegedly telling them, “Listen, I’ll [put] you in a six-man [match with] six minutes [left in] the show, and you’re going to do it!” Hager stated he felt Khan treated the roster like his “little playthings” rather than professionals.
However, on August 26, reports emerged that FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) have disputed Hager’s version of events. According to these reports, FTR stated that Hager is not being truthful about what occurred during the meeting.