Bully Ray Suggests Adjusting AEW Pay-Per-View Length for Optimal Fan Engagement
Professional wrestling veteran Bully Ray has voiced his opinion that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) pay-per-view events may be exceeding an ideal runtime, potentially impacting viewer engagement. The comments, made on the Busted Open Radio program, draw parallels to the early days of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and the challenges of maintaining audience energy over extended periods.
During a discussion centered around AEW Full Gear 2025, Bully Ray explained that while lengthy shows might work for a dedicated, live audience, the experience translates differently for those watching at home. He recalled ECW’s approach before achieving widespread pay-per-view distribution, noting that longer shows were tailored to the approximately 1,000 fans in attendance, rather than a broader television audience.
“In ECW back in the day, we would have very long shows at the ECW Arena, but that was for the people who showed up to see the show. It wasn’t for the people watching on pay-per-view at home,” Bully Ray stated. “There was no pay-per-view back then for ECW, so it was for the people in attendance.”
Fellow radio host David LaGreca acknowledged the positive atmosphere generated by the Newark crowd at Full Gear, despite the show’s considerable duration. However, Bully Ray emphasized the difficulty of sustaining high energy levels for five hours, regardless of the event.
“Listen, five hours is a long time to keep an energy level up no matter what you are doing,” he continued. “I think that for AEW, the sweet spot for them might be four hours. Knock it down one hour. We know you’re never getting this done in three.”
Bully Ray further contextualized the length of AEW’s pay-per-views by comparing them to other large-scale entertainment events, such as concerts and sporting competitions, which typically fall within the four-hour range. Do you think a shorter pay-per-view would improve the overall viewing experience, or does the current length allow for a more comprehensive showcase of AEW’s talent?
The Challenge of Pay-Per-View Pacing in Modern Wrestling
The length of professional wrestling pay-per-view events has been a recurring topic of debate among fans and industry professionals. While a longer show can accommodate more matches and storylines, it also risks viewer fatigue and diminished returns on investment for both the promotion and the audience. The modern wrestling landscape, characterized by increased competition and a fragmented media environment, demands a careful balance between content volume and audience retention.
AEW, in particular, has established a reputation for delivering action-packed shows with a deep roster of performers. However, maintaining a consistently high level of excitement over a five-hour period presents a significant challenge. The potential for diminishing returns increases as the show progresses, potentially leading viewers to tune out before witnessing key moments.
The comparison to ECW is particularly insightful. ECW’s early shows were known for their intense, chaotic energy, but they were also designed for a specific, dedicated audience. The transition to pay-per-view required a shift in approach, as the promotion needed to appeal to a broader, less familiar viewership. AEW faces a similar challenge in navigating the demands of both its core fanbase and the wider wrestling audience.
Furthermore, the rise of streaming services and on-demand content has altered viewing habits. Fans are no longer constrained by traditional television schedules and have greater control over their entertainment consumption. This increased choice necessitates a more focused and efficient presentation of content to capture and retain audience attention. Could a more streamlined, four-hour format make AEW pay-per-views more appealing in this evolving media landscape?
External resources offering insights into event pacing and audience engagement include Eventbrite’s guide to event duration and HubSpot’s resources on audience engagement strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About AEW Pay-Per-View Length
Is AEW Full Gear 2025 unusually long?
While specific runtimes vary, AEW pay-per-views have consistently been around the five-hour mark, which is longer than many other major wrestling events.
What did Bully Ray say about the ECW shows?
Bully Ray pointed out that ECW shows were longer because they were geared towards the live audience, not a broader pay-per-view audience.
What is the suggested ideal length for AEW pay-per-views?
Bully Ray believes a four-hour runtime would be a more optimal length for AEW pay-per-views, striking a balance between content and viewer engagement.
How does pay-per-view length affect audience engagement?
Longer shows can lead to viewer fatigue and diminished returns, potentially causing fans to tune out before key moments.
Are there other wrestling promotions that keep their pay-per-views shorter?
Yes, some promotions, like WWE, generally aim for a runtime closer to three to four hours for their major pay-per-view events.
Could a shorter AEW pay-per-view impact the number of matches presented?
A shorter runtime might necessitate a more selective approach to match selection, focusing on the most compelling storylines and performers.
The debate surrounding AEW pay-per-view length highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing fan expectations, content delivery, and the demands of the modern entertainment landscape. What changes, if any, would you like to see AEW make to its pay-per-view format?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion!
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