All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) flagship show, Dynamite, may be heading for a major attendance crisis this week, as the promotion faces an unexpected challenge from an unlikely source. The upcoming NHL Stanley Cup game between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks is set to be held at the same venue, Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where AEW Dynamite is scheduled to air from. This coinciding event has raised concerns about the potential impact on Dynamite’s attendance, as many fans might prioritize the NHL game over the wrestling event.
Dave Meltzer, renowned wrestling journalist and analyst, discussed the hype surrounding the Stanley Cup game on Wrestling Observer Radio, highlighting the significant interest in the game, which is expected to draw a large crowd. Moreover, a watch party for the game is scheduled to take place in Edmonton, further amplifying the competition for Dynamite.
The concerns are further exacerbated by the fact that Dynamite’s card this week features a high-stakes match, with Adam Copeland defending his AEW TNT Championship against House of Black’s Brody King. Despite the intriguing matchup, the threat of dwindling attendance looms large, as fans might choose to prioritize the NHL game or leave Dynamite early to attend the watch party.
Meanwhile, the storyline surrounding Tony Khan, AEW’s CEO, continues to unfold. Khan, who suffered a brutal attack at the hands of The Elite a couple of weeks ago, has been absent from AEW TV. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Khan will return to TV as an on-screen act in the coming weeks. The attack, which saw Khan take a brutal beating, including a devastating TK Driver from The Young Bucks, has left fans wondering about Khan’s next move.
In a recent interview on Wrestling with Freddie, a former WWE writer suggested that Tony Khan should have fired Jack Perry and The Young Bucks for their roles in the brutal attack. This comment has sparked debate among wrestling fans, with many wondering how Khan will respond to the challenge.
As AEW Dynamite prepares to go head-to-head with the NHL Stanley Cup game, the promotion faces a significant test. Will Dynamite be able to overcome the competition and draw a sizable crowd, or will the NHL game prove too big of a distraction? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this week’s Dynamite is shaping up to be a crucial test of the promotion’s resilience.