AEW should seriously consider a brand split

AEW has one of the deepest rosters in wrestling history. In recent years, Tony Khan has sought out the best talent in the world, both from other major promotions and the Indie scene. However, Khan's commitment to honoring contracts has quickly led AEW's roster to become bloated with multiple high-level talents struggling to earn television time. 

According to Blake Oestriecher of Forbes, there's a simple solution to AEW's roster problem: splitting the roster between Dynamite and Collision. WWE does the same thing with RAW and Smackdown, which has allowed it to consistently build stars and showcase its top names on a weekly basis.

"Numerous high-profile AEW talents, who aren’t injured nonetheless, find themselves without a spot on Dynamite or Collision," Oestriecher wrote. "AEW has an unbelievably deep roster that is big and talented enough to even do a full-fledged brand split, and yet, it feels as if Khan often highlights lower card workers with minimal crowd connection rather than top talents fans want to see." 

Oestriecher has a point. Collision has steadily declined since CM Punk left the company as he was a significant driving force behind the second show. Splitting the roster between both brands would reinvigorate AEW while opening up a steady flow of potential storylines. Khan could also get creative in how he wants to shake up those rosters yearly. 

AEW's viewership and attendance numbers have slipped throughout 2024. WWE's hot spell is partially to blame. However, a lack of clear direction from the company has also turned off droves of fans. Opening up the roster with more of the star-level talent being showcased would be a smart step to begin getting the feel-good factor around the company. 

Khan's company has a significant payroll. It also has too many high-level talents who spend week after week at home, wondering when their next opportunity will be. Oestriecher isn't the first person to suggest a brand split, and he won't be the last. The only question left is whether Khan will look to maximize his roster or keep burying his head and hoping things turn around.