AEW’s September To Remember special, which aired Wednesday night on TBS, garnered an average of 600,000 viewers with a 0.13 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, marking a solid but modest audience for the promotion’s premium event[3]. The two-hour special peaked during its opening segment, averaging 667,000 viewers and a 0.14 rating for the first half before tapering off in the second hour. This event reflects AEW’s steady presence on cable but remains behind WWE’s flagship shows in both viewership and ratings.

WrestleNomics first reported these figures, highlighting that AEW’s special delivered consistent numbers but did not break new ground in audience engagement[3]. The September To Remember event showcased a lineup of high-profile matches and story advancement as AEW seeks to keep pace with WWE’s dominant ratings better known from their regularly scheduled programming.

WWE’s September Ratings Momentum: Raw & NXT See Boosts

By contrast, WWE’s Monday Night Raw and Tuesday’s NXT have shown notable increases in viewership recently. The September 8 episode of Raw drew approximately 2.6 million global viewers across all platforms in the following seven days according to Wrestlenomics, a rise from the previous week’s 2.4 million viewers[1]. This surge was bolstered notably by the return of AJ Lee, who cut a promo challenging Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins to a mixed tag match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event. This storyline generated considerable buzz, translating into viewer growth.

Additionally, WWE NXT, airing on USA Network, climbed to 737,000 average viewers for its September 16 edition, up from 654,000 the week before[2][4]. The show benefited from the return of prominent stars such as Shayna Baszler, reinforcing WWE’s developmental brand as a strong competitive player in the wrestling television landscape.

AEW and WWE: Comparing Ratings in a Competitive Wrestling TV Market

While AEW’s 600,000 viewers for a special event are respectable, they lag significantly behind WWE Raw and even NXT, which continue to secure larger audiences. The WWE Raw increase is particularly important as it maintains momentum ahead of Wrestlepalooza, their marquee event on ESPN’s new streaming service. Sources close to WWE confirm that this strategic cross-platform presence aims to consolidate WWE’s lead in domestic and global markets[1].

An insider from AEW stated backstage that the September To Remember special was part of a planned approach to build anticipation for their bigger fall events, including the AEW World Championship picture and expanding their storytelling depth. This source emphasized, “AEW is focused on long-term growth and believes that their current viewing base, while smaller than WWE, is highly passionate and engaged.”[3]

Key Differentiators: Brand Visibility and Streaming Impact

WWE’s multi-platform exposure—cable, streaming, and global broadcasts—contributes heavily to their higher viewership numbers. Wrestlenomics noted that Raw ranked eighth globally among English-language TV shows on Netflix for the week after September 8, a testament to WWE’s multimedia reach and audience retention[1].

In comparison, AEW’s programming remains primarily on TBS and a few digital platforms, which limits its immediate access to wider streaming audiences. According to podcasts like “Wrestling Observer Radio,” industry analysts expect AEW to pursue expanded streaming partnerships soon to close that gap.

Storyline Highlights Fueling WWE’s Ratings Growth

Recent WWE storylines, such as the return of legendary figures like AJ Lee and the buildup to Wrestlepalooza, have reignited fan interest, creating spikes in viewership. Interviews with WWE creative staff reveal a deliberate intent to leverage historic personalities combined with fresh talent to maximize audience reach and subscription growth on ESPN[1].

NXT’s success can be attributed to its refreshed talent roster and strategic returns, adding compelling matchups that keep its dedicated fanbase engaged. According to Fightful sources, NXT’s emphasis on in-ring quality and character development continues to bolster its ratings[2][4].

AEW’s September To Remember: What’s Next?

Despite being overshadowed in ratings by WWE’s flagship programs, AEW’s September To Remember special served its purpose as a stepping stone. According to insiders close to AEW, the promotion is focusing on building momentum toward their upcoming pay-per-view events and expanding weekly programming appeal through new talent signings and storyline depth.

The company’s executives reportedly recognize that competing with WWE’s established audience size requires both long-term planning and immediate creative risks to draw casual viewers[3]. AEW’s dynamic roster and alternative style of wrestling offer a distinct product that continues to resonate with a core segment of wrestling fans.

Looking Ahead: Wrestling TV Ratings Landscape

The wrestling television ratings in September 2025 show WWE retaining a commanding lead in viewership across its main shows, while AEW is steadily building its niche audience. Wrestling media analyst Dave Meltzer commented on recent broadcasts that “WWE is using every tool in its arsenal—nostalgia, star power, and major streaming partnerships—while AEW offers innovation and grassroots appeal, making for an exciting dynamic in wrestling programming.”

As both promotions gear up for their biggest fall events, the competition for viewership will intensify. Staying attuned to these ratings and demographic shifts will be crucial for industry analysts, sponsors, and fans alike.

Reported by a professional wrestling analyst on Friday, September 19, 2025. Data sourced from Wrestlenomics, Wrestling Inc., Programming Insider, Fightful, and industry insiders.