“I’m a big advocate” – AEW superstar believes All Elite Wrestling lacks ‘casual fans’

Ever since its inception, AEW has been known for delivering the fans hardcore wrestling matches.

“I’m a big advocate” – AEW superstar believes All Elite Wrestling lacks ‘casual fans’

Tony Khan and AEW fans (via AEW)

AEW has been around for more than four years in the wrestling industry. In a short period of time, they have performed better than most expected them to. The ticket sales for “All In” at Wembley Stadium in London have indeed made people talk about the company. AEW superstar Matt Hardy recently spoke about the company’s lack of casual fans.

Matt Hardy is one of the most notable names in pro wrestling. He believes that All Elite Wrestling still has a lot to improve. The company caters to hardcore fans on a regular basis in a spectacular way. Hardy, therefore, believes that it should also look out for casual fans. He thinks that there is a long way to go for AEW before it can be mainstream, like WWE.

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While talking on his podcast, ‘The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy‘, Hardy shared his thoughts on AEW. He said that it was beneficial for the company that the executives at Turner and WBD appreciated hardcore wrestling and in-ring technical mastery. Other than niche fans, AEW also has some compelling storylines that have brought in new fans for the character work.

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Matt Hardy is one of the most experienced performers in the game. The former WWE superstar believes companies should attract casual fans and increase their fan base. This can be done only when AEW garners the fans’ attention with compelling character work and a long-term storyline.

“You know, me, I’m a big advocate, especially after being around for 31 years,” he said. Hardy also added that he is extremely happy with the performance of the company in the past four years. But they can still work on expanding their fan base and bringing in more casual fans. The 48-year-old believes it will help the company gain global attention.

Related: AEW likely to implement WWE’s traditional move on its roster following the announcement of AEW Collision

Matt Hardy’s career in AEW so far

AEW Hardy Boyz
The Hardy Boyz (via AEW)

Matt Hardy made his AEW debut in 2020 as part of a double debut with the late Brodie Lee. In the pandemic era, this was the first episode of AEW Dynamite to have fans. Hardy brought his “Broken” persona with him. He feuded with Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and The Inner Circle in his first year in the company.

The former WWE Tag Team Champion later formed the Hardy Family Office with The Private Party. The HFO had matches with the likes of Matt Sydal, Top Flight, Orange Cassidy, Best Friends, and Dark Order. He was later joined by Andrade, The Butch, and The Blade in the group. After Andrade and others turned on Matt Hardy in his faction, Jeff Hardy made his debut in AEW.

The Hardy Boyz reunited in the new promotion after successful stints in WWE, TNA, and ROH. The Hardys then started having tag team matches moving forward. However, things took an obnoxious turn in June 2022, when Jeff Hardy was indefinitely suspended for getting arrested. Brother Nero returned to action in April 2023, as they joined forces again along with Isiah Kassidy and Hook.

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