{"id":125564,"date":"2021-08-23T21:43:26","date_gmt":"2021-08-24T02:43:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=125564"},"modified":"2021-08-23T21:43:26","modified_gmt":"2021-08-24T02:43:26","slug":"tony-khan-comments-on-the-ratings-success-of-c-m-punks-return-to-wrestling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2021\/08\/23\/tony-khan-comments-on-the-ratings-success-of-c-m-punks-return-to-wrestling\/","title":{"rendered":"Tony Khan comments on the ratings success of C.M. Punk&#8217;s return to wrestling"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-1249174077\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><p>The return of C.M. Punk to professional wrestling on AEW Rampage this week was a history making moment if you ask AEW President, Tony Khan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The debut of CM Punk to open \u2018AEW:Rampage\u2019 on Friday made professional wrestling history; it was an emotional moment that created a memory of a lifetime,\u201d said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. &#8220;I\u2019m grateful for the support of wrestling fans worldwide! I\u2019m also grateful to TNT, who gave us amazing support promoting \u2018AEW Rampage: The First Dance,\u2019 and wrestling fans responded with unprecedented massive viewership on Friday night, as well as new all-time highs for live fan attendance and merchandise sales. We look forward to CM Punk\u2019s first ever live interview on \u2018AEW: Dynamite\u2019 this Wednesday, and we\u2019re only getting started.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Massive viewership is right. This week, more A18-49 watched Rampage than any other episode of AEW television on TNT since Dynamite premiered in the fall of 2019.<\/p>\n<p>The following is the full press release with more comments from leadership and more ratings statistics.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">\u201cAEW: Rampage\u201d grows its second week show with the largest P18-49 audience since \u201cAEW: Dynamite\u201d premiered on TNT on October 2, 2019. CM Punk made his return to wrestling on Friday, August 20, during the live \u201cAEW: Rampage\u201d show in front of sold-out audience at United Center in Chicago. See highlights below:<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\"><strong><em>AEW: Rampage\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><strong>\u2013 Fri 10p-11p<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\"><strong>692K\u00a0<\/strong>P18-49 \/<strong>\u00a0231K\u00a0<\/strong>P18-34 \/\u00a0<strong>1129K<\/strong>\u00a0P2+<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">\n<li>Largest P18-49 delivery for an\u00a0<em>AEW<\/em>\u00a0program since the premiere of\u00a0<em>AEW: Dynamite\u00a0<\/em>on 10\/2\/19<\/li>\n<li>Largest P18-34 number since \u201cAEW: Dynamite\u2019s\u201d episode on 11\/13\/19<\/li>\n<li>#2 telecast of the day on cable in P18-49, behind NFL<\/li>\n<li>+75% among P18-49 and +53% among P2+ vs prior week<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">\u201cYou could feel the joy and unabashed enthusiasm for CM Punk on Friday\u2019s \u2018Rampage\u2019 episode &#8211; that type of fan connection is what it\u2019s all about,\u201d said Brett Weitz, General Manager TBS, TNT and truTV.\u00a0 \u201cTony Khan continues to\u00a0elevate the AEW Franchise with smart choices that come from a deep passion and appreciation for wrestling. It\u2019s impossible to not get pulled into the pure fandom of the moment and to be a fan of the world that he has created. This is the exact type of entertainment that we love being the home for.\u201d<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-2755443995\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">\u201cCM Punk is the perfect star to take AEW to the next level. He\u2019s an icon who has already added to his amazing legacy with an incredible arrival and passionate, heartfelt promo on Rampage,\u201d said Sam Linsky, Associate General Manager, SVP Programming and Operations, TBS, TNT and truTV. \u201cAs a fan and an executive at TNT, I can\u2019t wait to see what he has to say on \u2018Dynamite\u2019 this Wednesday.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">\u201cThe debut of CM Punk to open \u2018AEW:Rampage\u2019 on Friday made professional wrestling history; it was an emotional moment that created a memory of a lifetime,\u201d said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the support of wrestling fans worldwide!\u00a0 I\u2019m also grateful to TNT, who gave us amazing support promoting \u2018AEW Rampage: The First Dance,\u2019 and wrestling fans responded with unprecedented massive viewership on Friday night, as well as new all-time highs for live fan attendance and merchandise sales. We look forward to CM Punk\u2019s first ever live interview on \u2018AEW: Dynamite\u2019 this Wednesday, and we\u2019re only getting started.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">On top of the epic AEW debut of CM Punk, the second episode of \u201cAEW: Rampage\u201d featured former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defeating Daniel Garcia in the main event, the red-hot Jade Cargill definitively defeating newcomer Kiera Hogan, and Jurassic Express overcoming Private Party in the semifinals of the Tag Team Eliminator Tournament to determine The Young Bucks\u2019 AEW Tag Team Championship opponents at ALL OUT in Chicago\u00a0on Sunday, Sep. 6.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">Founded by CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan, AEW is a new professional wrestling league headlined by CM Punk, Cody &amp; Brandi Rhodes, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Matt &amp; Nick Jackson), Chris Jericho, Sting, Hangman Page, Jon Moxley, MJF, Miro, Darby Allin, Hikaru Shida, Dr. Britt Baker, Nyla Rose, Red Velvet, Malakai Black, Andrade El Idolo, Christian Cage, Sammy Guevara, Jungle Boy, Ethan Page, Scorpio Sky, Lance Archer, Orange Cassidy, Brian Cage, Ricky Starks and many more.\u00a0\u00a0For the first time in many years, AEW is offering an alternative to mainstream wrestling, with a roster of world-class talent that is injecting new spirit, freshness and energy into the industry.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">\u201cAEW: Dynamite\u201d airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TNT and attracts the youngest wrestling audience on television.\u00a0 The new fight-forward show \u201cAEW: Rampage\u201d airs every Friday from 10-11 p.m. ET.\u00a0 AEW\u2019s multi-platform content also includes \u201cAEW Dark\u201d and \u201cAEW Dark: Elevation,\u201d two weekly professional wrestling YouTube series, \u201cBeing the Elite,\u201d a weekly behind-the-scenes YouTube series, and \u201cAEW Unrestricted,\u201d a weekly podcast series.\u00a0 For more info, check out<a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/twitter.com\/AEW__;!!AQdq3sQhfUj4q8uUguY!2b2q2Xn-O8QVk2frrxyBX4jQf2-wafMPqO4_emOFpnZO6l3DKToawMc_QjGzmFMBGLy3emo$\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/twitter.com\/AEW__;!!AQdq3sQhfUj4q8uUguY!2b2q2Xn-O8QVk2frrxyBX4jQf2-wafMPqO4_emOFpnZO6l3DKToawMc_QjGzmFMBGLy3emo$&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1629858229399000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEr0GKQ8S3SSxxoADlPuhv1WKf5FA\">Twitter.com\/AEW<\/a>;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.instagram.com\/allelitewrestling\/?hl=en__;!!AQdq3sQhfUj4q8uUguY!2b2q2Xn-O8QVk2frrxyBX4jQf2-wafMPqO4_emOFpnZO6l3DKToawMc_QjGzmFMBrS1jUoA$\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.instagram.com\/allelitewrestling\/?hl%3Den__;!!AQdq3sQhfUj4q8uUguY!2b2q2Xn-O8QVk2frrxyBX4jQf2-wafMPqO4_emOFpnZO6l3DKToawMc_QjGzmFMBrS1jUoA$&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1629858229399000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG0j28Pj9ck0PmETpUhIVmmT10fxQ\">Instagram.com\/AllEliteWrestling<\/a>;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCFN4JkGP_bVhAdBsoV9xftA__;!!AQdq3sQhfUj4q8uUguY!2b2q2Xn-O8QVk2frrxyBX4jQf2-wafMPqO4_emOFpnZO6l3DKToawMc_QjGzmFMBy82-v8g$\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCFN4JkGP_bVhAdBsoV9xftA__;!!AQdq3sQhfUj4q8uUguY!2b2q2Xn-O8QVk2frrxyBX4jQf2-wafMPqO4_emOFpnZO6l3DKToawMc_QjGzmFMBy82-v8g$&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1629858229399000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF9xZgK_C7HxVYFm6PE3LSetHYW8w\">YouTube.com\/AEW<\/a>;<a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.facebook.com\/AllEliteWrestling\/__;!!AQdq3sQhfUj4q8uUguY!2b2q2Xn-O8QVk2frrxyBX4jQf2-wafMPqO4_emOFpnZO6l3DKToawMc_QjGzmFMBejanl1U$\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.facebook.com\/AllEliteWrestling\/__;!!AQdq3sQhfUj4q8uUguY!2b2q2Xn-O8QVk2frrxyBX4jQf2-wafMPqO4_emOFpnZO6l3DKToawMc_QjGzmFMBejanl1U$&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1629858229399000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH1PmU_e-29g1ZyX8hVkQV2_yZtDQ\">Facebook.com\/AllEliteWrestling<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>CATCH-UP:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2021\/08\/23\/heydorns-take-strategy-for-c-m-punk-debut-shines-as-feeling-of-anticipation-inside-the-united-center-generates-huge-moment\/\">HEYDORN\u2019S TAKE: Strategy for C.M. Punk debut shines as feeling of anticipation inside the United Center generates huge moment<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-1417898090\"><div id=\"pwtor-1711760852\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>The return of C.M. Punk to professional wrestling on AEW Rampage this week was a history making moment if you ask AEW President, Tony Khan. &#8220;The debut of CM Punk to open \u2018AEW:Rampage\u2019 on Friday <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2021\/08\/23\/tony-khan-comments-on-the-ratings-success-of-c-m-punks-return-to-wrestling\/\" title=\"Tony Khan comments on the ratings success of C.M. Punk&#8217;s return to wrestling\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":86965,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6163,2],"tags":[6121,6558,6120],"class_list":["post-125564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aew-news","category-prowrestlingnews","tag-aew","tag-aew-rampage","tag-all-elite-wrestling"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2019\/10\/KhanTony_3x2_600.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125564","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=125564"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125564\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":125568,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125564\/revisions\/125568"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/86965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=125564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=125564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=125564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}