3 ways AEW can build momentum in 2025

There’s a lot to look forward to in professional wrestling next year. 2024 shaped up to be a huge 12 months with free agency, business developments, and great matches across the industry. All Elite Wrestling is riding the wave of a new television deal and the news that the show will begin to stream on Max. Looking ahead to the new year, here are three things that AEW can do to build some much needed momentum and turn the good news into more eyeballs and enjoyment on the product.

Revamp Its Storytelling

One of the most disingenuous criticisms of AEW has been the promotion doesn’t tell stories. That couldn’t be further from the truth since its inception. However, that doesn’t mean all the stories told within the company have been great. Some angles like “Hangman” Adam Page against Swerve Strickland or Toni Storm’s descent into madness stand out as wonderful. While others like The Learning Tree (and nearly anything involving Chris Jericho) has been abysmal.

Right now, the big angle is on The Death Riders versus AEW, and there’s concern about the direction of this story. Sure, there will be some big payoff at some point, but does it have the potential of running on too long? Is it having the impact of getting fans seated every Wednesday or Saturday night in anticipation? Something needs to shift with not only this story, but others told within the product as well. AEW doesn’t need to go full sports entertainment, but there needs to be a good mix of the drama that brings people back week after week.

Spotlight The Women’s Division

AEW has a packed women’s division. There are so many names on this roster who embody everything that makes this promotion great. Yet, almost six years into its existence, AEW is still failing to put the spotlight on the women’s division. The reasons why may vary depending on opinion and source, but the data still shows that AEW’s one women’s match per Dynamite “rule” is a glaring problem.

When given their space, the women’s division has proven they can carry the show. Think back to Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker’s feud. That led to the great reign of Jamie Hayter, then Toni Storm’s work as champion. There’s potential there. The ladies just need to get the opportunity to shine more often.

Continue Working On Audience Growth

AEW has done a great job cultivating its audience. While some will rant and argue about television ratings, the fact remains that AEW is doing well enough to receive a bigger television deal from WBD. However, with these types of deals the metrics for renewal and more opportunities only come with the KPIs continue to be met or exceeded. If AEW is going to continue its growth, it will need to find a way to build upon its audience and bring in new viewers.

Does this mean that AEW needs the “casual viewer” that some claim they don’t? The answer is yes. In many ways, all forms of entertainment need to find ways to capture the casual audience because the hardcore group isn’t always enough to push the numbers higher. AEW is coming off a strong 2024 in which the future of the company has been solidified. Now, it will be time to focus on growth in key areas to keep that success rolling.