AS I SEE IT
Bob Magee
Pro Wrestling Between the Sheets
PWBTS.com
Nielsen changed how TV audiences are measured last month.
Since 1950, Nielsen measured TV audiences using one method:
people meters in household panels. In September 2025, they
changed to a system called “Big Data + Panel” that combines
those household panels with massive amounts of data from
cable boxes and smart TVs. In the first week of this system,
AEW Dynamite, NX, and Smackdown both saw sizable drops in
viewership overall, and in 18-49 demo figures (especially
male 18-34), which produced great wringing of hands. The new
system seems to benefit live sports the most.
The fact that MLB playoff games between the Boston Red Sox
and New York Yankees took place on ESPN with Tuesday with
6,516,000 viewers/1.51 18-49 rating against NXT, and game 2
of the series the next night Dynamite saw 6,757,000
viewers/1.56 18-49 both seem to have been ignored. It's also
notable that Dynamite ran an extra half-hour, which brought
down their overall number. On Friday, Smackdown saw a WNBA
Finals game 1: Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces was #1 and
the most watched WNBA game 1 since 1997 at 1,858,000/0.44.
Both Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics and Andy Nemmity of
Wrestlejoy.com have excellent pieces of the Neilsen ratings
changes, which are worthwhile reading for anyone that wants
to understand these changes from slightly different
viewpoints.
But the cult of people seeming determined to attack the very
existence of AEW jumped on this. Anytime Dynamite ratings
fall below Grand Slam Mexico level, the E-trolls and
outright paid websites/social media accounts start their
chatter about WBD canceling AEW. The lower numbers under the
new Nielsen algorithm (which still saw Dynamite on that
first Wednesday be ranked #6) inspired a whole new campaign
of negative chatter.
A Sean Ross Sapp article on Fightful Select stated "There
was one source in AEW who said that Tony Khan is well aware
of the changes, how they work and is adept at what they mean
specifically,...with AEW numbers, Max streaming is not
reported for Collision and Dynamite, and the actual
viewership emerging from those is kept very quiet." A
WBD source in the piece also told Sapp that the sample size
with the new system is still too small, and that (as I said
above) Major League Baseball postseason games had a larger
effect on AEW and NXT numbers this past week than anything
else.
WBD confirmed this past Monday to Wrestlenomics that AEW’s
live simulcasts on HBO Max are not included in Nielsen’s
measured television audiences for Dynamite or Collision. In
an email to Wrestlenomics responding to an inquiry, a WBD
spokesperson said that despite Nielsen’s recent transition
to its new Big Data + Panel methodology (which in some cases
does count streaming, especially live sports), “nothing
has changed in terms of what is baked into their numbers
from the WBD side of things....AEW’s Dynamite and Collision
linear viewership information reported by Nielsen (still)
does not include HBO Max streaming viewership.”" In
addition, in a recent Fightful article, it was reported that
a WBD source chuckled about the question of AEW getting
cancelled constantly being brought up.
WBD and Comcast will adjust. Life will go on. Wrestling will
continue.
Speaking of which, this week is WrestleDream. As they did
last month, Dynamite this week will air as a three-hour
show, with a two-hour Dynamite and a one-hour Collision. The
second hour will be the Tailgate Brawl pre-show Saturday at
7:00 pm ET.
The season of giving is here. The NCAA and the NFL are in
full swing, pumpkin spice and Spooky season are on, and the
first Holiday ad appeared on my TV. That means that
wrestling indies need to start thinking about the season of
giving...NOW.
Over last year's fall and Holiday season...and for the last
ten years, AS I SEE IT has reported on how the independent
wrestling community reached out to those in need.
Independent promotions throughout the United States and
Canada held events to help their communities during the
Holiday season through wrestling shows, Comic-Cons, playing
video games, 10-day marathons sitting on top of a trailer,
bowling parties, online trivia contests, chicken BBQ's,
portrait sittings, Twitch streams, and a dozen other means.
In all those events, they asked fans to do one small thing.
Just "one small thing". But that "one small thing" meant the
world to someone you will never meet.
One can of soup meant that someone was fed for a meal. One
box of rice meant that a family was fed for a week or more.
One warm coat meant an older person won't shiver
uncontrollably when they walk to the market or to a doctor's
appointment.
One toy meant that a child is allowed a moment of innocence
and joy, often the same child who has gone through fear and
deprivation for far too long.
One "small thing" that was anything but small.
Just take a look at the faces of the thousands of children
given toys in southern Florida by Stuff The Bus in Florida,
or in South Jersey by United Wrestling Coalition in New
Jersey, or throughout the Northeast Major Wrestling Figure
Podcast and Ringside Collectibles, or ask the survivors of
domestic violence helped with sanctuary and counseling by
Women of Nations Eagles Nest Shelter because Midwest All
Star Wrestling presented the annual Women of Nations Grand
Slam, or the 1,000 families fed by an effort of Southern
California indies, or thousands of other families provided
toys, winter jacket, or cans of food through Detroit Warm,
Detroit Goodfellows, and Covenant House from a Juggalo
Championship Wrestling show.
Given the current regime in Washington, far, far more help
will be needed from every private source possible to help
the hungry, the sick, the cold, the homeless, LGBT people,
sexual/domestic violence victims, animal welfare, and too
many more causes. Indies, it's time to start planning what
you can do NOW.
Fans, if your local indie hasn't scheduled or announced an
event or events for the Holiday season, ask them why
not....SOON. Better yet, offer to help them organize one. It
might be you that needs help tomorrow.
83 indie promotions have scheduled a total of
126 shows and events through the end of the Holiday
Season.
Total contributions as of October 13 are 100 toys,
112 backpacks/sets of school supplies, 20 Halloween
outfits, 17,270 pounds (well over 8 TONS) of
canned/non-perishable food, and $354,300.07 US in
cash donations.
* Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA on August 8 for
Family Giving Tree, and the third annual Back-To-School
Backpack Drive collecting 62 backpacks for local kids in
need, grades K-12.
* EPW Wrestling came to Philadelphia, MS on August 9 for the
annual Headlocks for Toys Toy Drive, with WWE/WCW/nWo star
Buff Bagwell, collecting over 100 toys.
* Ottawa/Gatineau, ON independent Mystery Wrestling ran a
24-hour livestream wrestling match on August 11/12 raising
$36,900 CDN ($26,802.50 US) for the 14th annual Fighting
Back: Wrestling with Cancer effort.
* Capital City Championship Wrestling returned to Ottawa, ON
August 15, raising a collective total for the Canadian
Cancer Society of $132,000 CDN/$95,517.20 US at the 14th
annual Fighting Back: Wrestling with Cancer.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling teamed up with Alex's Lemonade Stand
Foundation to raise money for its annual fundraiser against
childhood cancer on August 17 in Elk Grove, CA raising
$3,790.
* Mall Mania, a wrestling event and fan expo with Tommy
Dreamer and Arn Anderson, came to the Four Seasons Town
Centre in Greensboro, NC on August 17 and raised $300 for
Blue Hearts for Autism.
* Pro Wrestling King, in cooperation with Fishers BBQ and
Chips' Annual School Supplies Drive, held a Pack a Back Pack
show on August 17 in South Bend, IN, collecting 30 full back
packs with school supplies, and shoes.
* Love Wrestling Canada did their August 19 Quizplex monthly
online fundraiser, raising $150 for Dallas Hope Charities.
* Prestige Wrestling ran its most unique show ever on August
23 in Hillsboro, OR for FJR raising $4,500 for RAINN-
the nation's largest sexual abuse charity.
* No Fold Pro Wrestling returned to Murphysboro, TN on
August 24 and raised $48 for Special Olympics.
* Memphis Wrestling came to Tupelo, MS at the Tupelo
Furniture Market on August 22 to raise money for St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital with Rikishi appearing, raising
at least $25,000 at this event.
* Rock Solid Wrestling returned to Kirkland Lake, ON this
August 23 to benefit the Community Living Kirkland Lake in
Kirkland Lake, ON; which assists developmentally challenged
adults, raising at least $3,000.
* West Coast Pro Wrestling returned to Oakland, CA on
September 4, raising $500 for Oakland for All.
* Veteran Pro Wrestling returned to Spring Hill, FL for a
show on September 6 as part of a Toys for Tots effort that
will last until December 5, taking digital donations
for toys to be distributed.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Barrie, ON this
September 6; collecting 300 pounds of canned food for the
local food bank.
* EMERGE Professional Wrestling returned to Columbus, IN on
September 6, with a food pantry collection for Love Chapel,
filling a truck with around 50 pounds of canned/non-
perishable food.
* Top Tier Wrestling returned to Hamilton, ON on September 6
with a food drive collecting three truckloads of canned
and non-perishable food to the Six Nations Food Bank in
Ohsweken, ON .
* Smash Master Wrasslin/Phantom Six Wrestling/5XW presented
Smash Family Picnic in Bethlehem, PA on September 7; raising
$700 for cancer research.
* GCW Charity Wrestling will also hold its fall and winter
series of wrestling shows and Comic-Cons, collecting food
for the local community food banks in each town in which
they run events; collecting non-perishable and food items
including kids school snacks, juice (boxes and large),
canned veggies/fruit, canned pasta, cereal,
toothpaste/soap/toiletries, pet foods, diapers and baby
supplies. As of October 9, they have collected 13,575
pounds (over 6 tons) so far this year and season.
There are additional shows/Comic-Cons to those listed below,
including: Great Canadian Wrestling Expo/Oshawa, ON October
31-November 2, Lindsay, ON/November 8, Meaford, ON/November
15, Orillia, ON/November 16, Owen Sound, ON/November 22,
Ajax, ON/November 23, Smith's Falls ON/November 29,
Brockville, ON/November 30, Newmarket, ON/December 6, North
York, ON/December 13, Oshawa, ON/December 27, Peterborough,
ON/January 3
* Insane Wrestling Revolution held a drive to bring back to
school items, backpacks, or snacks for school kids at their
September 11 Monroe, MI show collecting 20 bags worth of
school supplies.
* Show-Me State Wrestling presented Freedom Bash 2025 on
September 12 to benefit the Jefferson City Salvation Army,
helping work with the homeless, food pantry, and more.
* Cottage Hills Wrestling Alliance appeared at the Alton, IL
Alton Pride event on September 13 with multiple shows
throughout the day.
* Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling returned to Muncie, IN on
September 13, in a suicide awareness show.
* Arkansas Wrestling Association presents Slamming For A
Cure in Blytheville, AR on September 13.
* Brew City Wrestling comes to Waukesha, WI on September 13
for A Night For Barbara, raising $1,760 for funeral
costs
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presented Lines Cross on September 13 in
Houston, DE to raising $2,176 for Autism Awareness.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
13, distributing 700 pounds of food, including meats,
canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.
* NEOPro Wrestling returns to Niagara Falls, ON this
September 13, collecting 394 pounds of canned and
non-perishable food for Project Share.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Belleville, ON this
September 13; canned food collection for local food bank.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Whitby, ON this
September 14; canned food collection for local food bank.
750 pounds of canned/non-perishable food was collected.
* Cannonball Fest took place on September 14 in New
Providence, NJ, raising over $40,000 to benefit Jeff
Cannonball in his fight against ALS. The GoFundMe for Jeff
Cannonball has seen an additional $151,600 contributed through the evening of September 14.
* AWARE returned to Newton, GA on September 15, raising
$362.50 for Arms REACH Ministries, providing direct social
services to Baker County residents.
* Limitless Wrestling returned to Westbrook, ME on September
20 to collect 776 pounds of dry goods and non-
perishables for Locker Project Maine.
* No Fold Pro Wrestling returned to Murphysboro, IL on
September 21 to raise $25 for Special Olympics.
* Love Wrestling held another Quizplex on September 23
raising $250 CDN/$180 US to benefit the Stollery Children's
Hospital Foundation in Winnipeg, MB.
* Empire State Wrestling returned to Niagara Falls, ON this
September 26 for its third annual non-perishable food drive
with Little Free Pantries NT, collecting 100 pounds of food.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Peterborough, ON this
September 26, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the
local food bank.
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returned on
September 27 in Martinsville, IN for the Austin Fury
Memorial Tournament, raising $300 to benefit Suicide
Awareness.
* Titan Championship Wrestling returned to Bayville NJ on
September 27 to raise funds for pet adoption and care at
Rock 2 Adopt.
* AML Wrestling returned to Winston-Salem, NC on September
27, raised $1,000 for Bustin’ For Autism.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Kingston, ON this
September 27, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the
local food bank.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
27, distributing 700 pounds of food, including meats,
canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.
* Independent Pro Wrestling returned to Brantford, ON this
September 27, collecting 2 boxes of food for the Brantford
Food Bank.
* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club,
St Catharines, ON this September 28, for FIRED UP 2025.
Partial proceeds will go to The Niagara Peninsula Foundation
for Children.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Fenelon Falls, ON this
September 28, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the
local food bank, with 325 pounds of canned and non-
perishable food collected over the three weekend shows.
* Magnum Wrestling presented Over The Top at Granary Green,
Ralston, NE on October 3 to raise $16,630 for Little
Leaf Learning Center.
* Wrestling With Purpose presented A Night For Marcus on
October 3 in Pembroke, NC, raising $1,200 for an area
cancer victim.
* Ignite Pro Wrestling comes to Carterville, IL on October
4, raising $700 for breast cancer awareness.
* IWF returned to North Arlington, NJ on October 4 with
world-class athletes compete for the Heavyweight, American,
Tag Team and Women's Championships, raising at least
$4,000 to benefit the Michael Robert Cammett Jr.
Memorial Foundation.
* Imperial Wrestling Entertainment returns to Houghton Lake,
MI on October 4, collecting new and gently used 20 full
Halloween costumes to donate to needy families.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Cobourg, ON this October
4, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food
bank.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Aurora, ON this October
5, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food
bank, collecting 475 pounds for the weekend.
* Timmy Global Health presented the 24th annual Timmy
Takedown on, October 11 in Kirklin, IN. Timmy Global Health
works to connect people to primary healthcare, and supports
community leadership and engage global health advocates in a
community-oriented primary care mode.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on October 11 in Houston, DE to
benefit the American Cancer Society, raising $2,218
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK for a special
Sunday matinee on October 12, distributing 700 pounds
of food, including meats, canned goods, non-perishables, and
assorted foodstuffs.
* Appalachian Championship Wrestling returns to Winfield, WV
on October 18 for Barnyard Beatdown 5, benefits West
Virginia Horse Network, Inc.
* Pro Warrior Alliance/ACPW returns to York, PA on October
18 for Headlock on Hunger.
* Interspecies Wrestling presents the Canadian version of
Cannonbrawl on October 18, in Chateauguay, QU, Canada as ISW
and friends honor and fundraise for one of their own. Jeff
Cannonball, who has been diagnosed with ALS. We want to help
lighten that load a little - for Jeff, Sam, and little Milo.
This event will feature wrestlers from all over Canada and
the United States. 100% of the proceeds from this event, and
all things associated with it (streams, auctions, raffles)
will go directly to Jeff and his family to help with the
costs associated with his care. One of the auction items is
a Cannonbrawl Black Card, allowing for one year's free
admission to the shows of 27 promotions in the US, Canada,
Australia, Portugal, UAE and more...
* Phoenix Championship Wrestling comes to Mesa, AZ on
October 18, benefits Phoenix Children's Hospital
* Love Wrestling holds another Quizplex on October 21 to
benefit the Canadian Mental Health Association.
* Insane Wrestling Revolution will be holding a
toy/food/clothing drive at their October 23 show.
* Premier Wrestling Federation returns to Jacksonville, NC
on October 24 as a benefit for Colby Corino
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on October
25.
* EPW Wrestling returns to Booneville, MS on October 25,
benefit for James "Bonecrusher" Mitchell
* Amped Up Wrestling returns to Inglewood, CA on October 26
to benefit Ability First Center JHAM Center.
* Get ready to throw down at Reena Rumble on October 27.
This family-friendly wrestling extravaganza is bringing some
of the biggest names in the ring – Matt Hardy, Carlito, and
the world’s tiniest wrestler, Microman! Prepare for jaw-
dropping moves, hilarious moments, and memories that’ll last
a lifetime. And don’t miss your chance to meet the wrestlers
up close and personal! It’s not just a match – it’s
Toronto’s #1 wrestling charity event, supporting a great
cause! Mark your calendars and get ready for the most
electrifying event of the year!
* Midwest All-Star Wrestling will hold its annual
fundraising dinner and Q&A with Great Muta on October 31 in
Bloomington, MN; then the annual Women of Nations Grand Slam
7 on November 1 in North St. Paul, MN, raising funds for the
Women of Nations shelter that works with survivors of
domestic violence/sexual abuse.
* Wrestling for a Cause returns to Broken Arrow, OK on
November 1 to raise money for a young area cancer patient.
* Generation Next Pro Wrestling returns to Cynthiana, KY on
November 1, supports the City of Cynthiana Community Food
Drive
* Let's Wrestle/Limitless Wrestling comes to Dover-Foxcroft,
ME on November 1, to benefit Helping Hands With Heart
* ACWF returns to Murphy, NC on November 1 to benefit Shop
With A Cop and Toys for Tots
* Drop-All Brawl returns to Plaquemine, LA on November 7 for
Brawlin for a Cause 3, proceeds to purchase toys for kids in
community.
* XWE Pro Wrestling presents Headlock on Hunger: Homecoming
on Saturday, November 8th live from the Hocking College
Student Center in Nelsonville, OH!
* Stunt Cat & Friends Save Christmas comes to Scranton, PA
on November 8, to benefit United Cerebral Palsy Angel Tree
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on November 8
* Independent Pro Wrestling presents Hammering Cancer 6 on
November 9 in Hamilton, ON to raise money and awareness for
the Juravinski Cancer Centre.
* United Pro Wrestling debuts in Scottsville, KY on November
14 at the James E. Bazzell Middle School. This event will be
a Toys for Tots toy drive event.
* Wrestling Is 4 The Dogs Charity Event takes place at the
Millenium Wrestling Academy, Los Angeles, CA on November 15,
to help dogs in need. Come join us at the Millennium
Wrestling Academy for a paw-some event dedicated to our
furry friends! Witness thrilling wrestling matches while
supporting a good cause. All proceeds will go towards
helping dogs in need. It's a win-win situation - you get to
enjoy some action-packed wrestling and make a difference in
the lives of dogs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to
have a great time while giving back!
* Love Wrestling Canada's Big Bad Boris will do a 40-hour
Exstream on November 14 to benefit the Canadian Mental
Health Association.
* Total Wrestling Federation presents Wreck the Halls on
November 15, at the Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd,
Sacramento, CA in its annual Shriners Hospital toy drive
show.
* AWARE returns to Newton, GA on November 15, partial
proceeds go to Cancer Ties
* Supreme Pro Wrestling held its annual food drive show,
Still Hungry, on November 16 in Elk Grove, CA, collecting
canned and non-perishables for the Elk Grove Food Bank
* Premier Wrestling Federation returns to Philadelphia, PA
on November 21 as a benefit for Colby Corino
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on November 22 to Harrington,
DE for a Boys and Girls Club benefit
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on November
22.
* Battletested Pro Wrestling comes to Oak Creek, WI on
November 22, with the Operation Takedown for Toys drive for
Salvation Army
* Lucky Pro Wrestling returns to Leominster, MA on November
22, beginning Toy Drive.
* Gulf State Wrestling holds its Toys for Tots show on
November 23 in Berwick, LA
* UWC Pro Wrestling returns for its annual Toys for Tots
Show on November 29 at 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, NJ.
Admission is FREE with a $20 suggested value new toy
donation, or $20 at the door (all ages). This event happens
conveniently after all those wonderful Black Friday
sales!!!!
* Ephesians Pro Wrestling comes to Rockwell, TX on November
29 in a toys for tots show.
* Ascend Pro Wrestling returns to Norwood, OH on November 29
for the Secret Slamta holiday toy collection
* Top Tier Wrestling returns to Hamilton, ON on November 29,
collecting toys for Starlight Children’s Foundation
* Live Pro Wrestling, Cojo's Toy World, and the Portuguese
Kids come to New Bedford, MA on November 30, collecting toys
for Christmas Wishes
* MCW Pro Wrestling returns in December for its annual Toys
for Tots Show.
* Wrestling With Purpose presents December 5 in Pembroke, NC
for the Clash 4 The Kids Toys for Tots show
* KSWA has scheduled its annual FanFest and Holiday Toy
Drive for Saturday, December 6, in Pittsburgh, PA
* Hometown Pro Wrestling comes to Asheville, NC on December
6, hosting "Christmas for All" at the Asheville Mall with a
charity drive for families affected by Hurricane Helene.
* Wrestling for a Cause returns to Broken Arrow, OK on
December 6
* Texoma Pro Wrestling returns to Ardmore. TX on December 6,
collecting toys for local children
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on December 6 in Houston, DE
for the annual Toys for Tots show.
* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club,
St Catharines, ON on December 6 for the Jingle Bell Brawl.
Partial proceeds will go to The Niagara Peninsula Foundation
for Children.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on December
13
* Honor Among Wrestling returns to LeClaire, IA on December
13 for its annual Toy Drive Show, partnering with Iowa
Children's Hospital
* Pro Wrestling 225 returns to Plaquemine, LA on December
13, raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital
* DCW Wrestling presents Jingle Bash on December 13 in
Felton, DE, the annual Toys for Tots event
* Revolt Ministries will hold its annual 12-day Stuff The
Bus Toy Drive at The Guardian's Legacy show in Florida this
December 7-17.
* New Breed Wrestling returns to Eldon, MO on December 13
for its annual Toys for Tots Show.
* Mall Mania presents the Christmas Chaos Wrestling & Gaming
Expo on December 14 in Greensboro, NC
* Live Pro Wrestling - Iowa’s Wrestling returns to Tama, IA
on December 20, free will toy collection
* Winter Wonderslam returns in Pahrump, NV on December 21 at
the Mccullough Arena, distributing toys in southern Nevada.
* Wrestling Figure Podcast will be involved in another Toy
Drive this Holiday season. Details to come.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on December
27
If you'd like to contact me, you can do so at my
bobmagee1@hotmail.com account or to through Facebook
Messenger at https://www.facebook.com/bob.magee.180, direct
message me at https://twitter.com/BobMage70323520, or
contact me at BlueSky at
https://bsky.app/profile/bobmagee940.bsky.social
