Since launching in 2019, AEW has proven to be the most direct competition WWE has seen since the demise of World Championship Wrestling. Like WWE, AEW hosts its events in large venues across North America, but that has led to an issue for Tony Khan’s promotion in recent years.
Critics of AEW have often shared photos online of shows with throngs of empty seats to hit out at Tony Khan’s creative direction and the company’s overall product. Despite these unflattering images, AEW has no plans to move to smaller venues.
AEW chooses not to scale down to smaller venues for a number of reasons, Fightful Select reports. The promotion prioritizes factors like venue amenities, accessibility, parking availability, and the flexibility to expand seating as needed. They also consider the effectiveness of mailing lists and the adequacy of concession staff when choosing event locations.
While some feel that a move to smaller, more intimate venues would benefit AEW, Tony Khan will run his company in the manner he feels is best, which right now means closely prioritizing these factors when choosing its venues to host events. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on All Elite Wrestling as the promotion continues to provide an alternative to WWE each and every week on TV.