AEW Dynamite Ratings Report (Oct 01, 2025): Ratings Dip, But Cable Ranking Holds Strong
The October 1st episode of AEW Dynamite saw a decline in overall viewership compared to the previous week. According to Programming Insider, the show drew 465,000 viewers on TBS, down from the 554,000 who tuned in on September 24.
In the coveted 18–49 demographic, Dynamite posted a 0.09 rating, slipping from last week’s 0.11. Despite the dip, AEW still managed to land sixth overall among cable programs for the night—a notable achievement given the competitive landscape.
Dynamite ranked #6 for the night on cable in 18-49 age demographic group
TV RATINGS AND MORE: AEW Dynamite on TBS, Wed Oct 1 #AEWDynamite https://t.co/Cbx7JL0CHE
— Wrestlenomics (@wrestlenomics) October 4, 2025
Understanding the Numbers
As previously reported, Nielsen recently rolled out its new “Big Data + Panel” measurement model, combining its long-standing household panel data with inputs from smart TVs, set-top boxes, and satellite devices.
This updated approach has caused significant changes across wrestling ratings, particularly for younger-skewing audiences. For example, the new system listed WWE NXT’s demo rating last week at 0.12, while some outlets reported it as high as 0.17 under older methods.
The important takeaway: directly comparing today’s numbers with past ratings isn’t apples-to-apples. Every wrestling show—AEW Dynamite, AEW Collision, WWE NXT, and WWE SmackDown—has seen shifts since Nielsen’s rollout in September.
Nielsen has changed how TV ratings are measured. Here's what it means for wrestling programs.
— Wrestlenomics (@wrestlenomics) October 2, 2025
The era of Big Data + Panel is upon us. Some shows might measure generally lower (or higher), complicating comparisons. https://t.co/DFznC31O4G
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
While the headline number for Dynamite looks like a drop, context is everything. AEW placing sixth on cable during a crowded sports and entertainment night is a win, especially under Nielsen’s new system that has pulled down ratings across the board. Fans and analysts shouldn’t panic about week-to-week declines until a new baseline is firmly established. The bigger story will be how Dynamite holds momentum heading into its pay-per-view cycles and whether the product adapts creatively to fight for viewers in a changing media landscape.
