Even AEW's harshest critics can see its current growth

If those numbers aren't enough to convince you that things are looking up for AEW, then Bully Ray's recent comments should help solidify the point. 

"Over the past five weeks, 'Dynamite's' rating has increased, slowly but surely," Ray said via a recent episode of Busted Open Radio. "... It's better than where they were at five weeks ago and they're showing improvement on either bringing their fans back to the product or maybe bringing a couple of new eyes to the product, thus, that's why you have to do that particular (spot). It's not a ton of viewers but it's something, it's progression in a positive direction and that's what the company needs."

Ray has been a harsh critic of both AEW and Tony Khan. He's never hidden his disdain for the haphazard booking and the flawed and, often limited, storytelling. So, for such a critic to now be open to seeing the promotion grow is telling of the directional change the company is working through. 

After losing CM Punk and the fallout that followed, AEW has fought to rediscover itself and prove that it's a company to be taken seriously. As with any young upstart, there have been mistakes along the way. Nevertheless, everything is clicking right now. For Ray to praise the direction of the company must mean they're doing something right.

Of course, questions won't stop being asked until AEW finally re-enters the 1M live-viewer mark. Unfortunately, it could take at least another year to reach that point.