I was thinking something similar while reading the changing the channel shit earlier, this is why they couldn't hold off on the MJF turn for another 6 months because people have no patience these days. In two months time the same people would be bored of MJF or saying they should've turned him earlier.
Wrestling fans being fickle isn't a new phenomenon, however it's 2019 and some of what worked back in 1999 just won't fly anymore, certainly not with some parts of the audience.
Going back to changing the channel as soon as *insert guy I don't like* comes out, it does make me wonder if it actually would be better for AEW to bring out a Darby before they bring out an Avalon and stop that talk from even happening. AEW know people aren't watching for Avalon or for Spears right now but they're not guys where you wanna see them get their arse kicked so in light of having parts of their audience being so fickle that they can't hang around for 30 seconds to see who the other guy is, wouldn't AEW be better by bringing out the stars of the segment first?
It's a tough call. I was definitely one of those guys last night thinking about what's channel-change worthy, and it's not because I'm fickle, but because I want this company to succeed so damn hard. :) I actually love or like every single performer they have, and I'll watch everything they ever do. I'm in it, ride or die.
It's the more casual fans or potential fans I'm thinking about. Dark Order has a niche appeal even though I like them. Shawn Spears' entrance is too long even though I enjoy it. Peter Avalon is annoying even though I find him entertaining and think his face is hilariously perfect. These three things in particular will likely contribute to viewership drops yesterday once the quarter hour reports come out.
As you said, people don't have the same attention spans. I run a fairly successful YouTube channel and just launched a 22-minute video. 75% of people stuck around for minute 4, and only 10% stuck around for the full 22 minutes. This is the age we live in: people need a BANG of some kind every 20 to 30 seconds to stay engaged.
All that said, I really enjoyed the show last night. There were so many great things to recommend it! The show is perfect for me and my tastes, so they've done a good job of winning fans like me back, but they'll need to be more prudent to attract more than just lapsed fans such as myself.
I haven't given a shit about a weekly wrestling show to this degree since like 1998. It's weird. But I love it. I'm trying to be a bit of an ambassador for the promotion too by talking to my friends and co-workers about it, posting about it once every four weeks or so on my family and friends FB page. These are the people they need to attract to grow, and my wife would neeeever want to sit through a Dark Order match right now.
Then again, AEW has said they're going to provide a buffet. Not everything is meant for everyone, while at the same time, there IS something for everyone. Maybe we just need to accept that aspect of AEW and accept that it's for hardcores as well as casuals.
Really hope they grew in the ratings this week, especially off the back of that great second hour.
