For decades, wrestling fans have eagerly awaited the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, primarily to pore over Dave Meltzer’s star ratings. These ratings, often sparking intense debate and discussion across social media and fan forums, serve as a barometer for match quality in professional wrestling. This week is no exception, as fans eagerly anticipate the breakdown of recent major events and how they stack up in the eyes of the industry's most renowned critic.
Understanding Dave Meltzer ratings this week goes beyond just a number; it’s about appreciating the art form, the storytelling, and the athletic prowess that defines professional wrestling. From monumental pay-per-views to weekly television shows, Meltzer’s analysis provides a unique lens through which to view the ever-evolving landscape of sports entertainment.
Table of Contents
- The Enduring Legacy of Dave Meltzer
- Who is Dave Meltzer? A Brief Biography
- Understanding Dave Meltzer's Star Rating System
- Dave Meltzer Ratings This Week: WrestleMania 40 & AEW Dynasty
- Beyond the Stars: Recent TV Ratings & Viewership Analysis
- The Cagematch.net Perspective: User Ratings vs. Meltzer
- Key Matches and Standout Performances
- The Broader Impact of Dave Meltzer's Work
- A Note on "Dave" (The Banking App): A Common Misconception
- Conclusion: The Pulse of Pro Wrestling
The Enduring Legacy of Dave Meltzer
In the vast, often chaotic world of professional wrestling, few names command as much respect and influence as Dave Meltzer. For over four decades, Meltzer has been the unwavering constant, providing unparalleled insight, historical context, and critical analysis through his seminal publication, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON). Launched in 1982, the WON quickly became the definitive source for insider news, behind-the-scenes stories, and, most famously, match ratings.
Meltzer’s meticulous approach to covering the industry, combined with his deep historical knowledge and extensive network of contacts, transformed wrestling journalism from a niche hobby into a legitimate field of study. He didn't just report the news; he contextualized it, offering a critical framework for understanding the art, business, and politics of professional wrestling. His work has profoundly shaped how fans, wrestlers, and promoters alike discuss and evaluate the sport, making him an indispensable figure in its modern history.
Who is Dave Meltzer? A Brief Biography
Born on October 24, 1959, Dave Meltzer developed an early fascination with professional wrestling, meticulously collecting information and statistics long before the internet made such data readily accessible. His passion evolved into a pioneering career in sports journalism. He began publishing the Wrestling Observer Newsletter from his home, initially as a way to share his vast knowledge and unique perspective with a small group of fellow enthusiasts. Over the years, it grew into the most authoritative and widely read publication in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
Meltzer’s career is marked by his unwavering dedication to factual reporting, historical accuracy, and critical analysis. He is often cited by wrestling professionals and media outlets as the leading authority on the sport's history, economics, and creative trends. His impact extends beyond mere reporting; he has influenced how wrestling is booked, how talent is perceived, and how fans engage with the product. His work has not only chronicled wrestling history but has actively contributed to its narrative.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Allen Meltzer |
| Occupation | Journalist, Historian, Publisher, Radio Host |
| Known For | Founding and writing the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON), Professional Wrestling & MMA Star Ratings |
| Born | October 24, 1959 |
| Nationality | American |
| Influence | Widely considered the most respected and influential wrestling journalist and historian globally. |
Understanding Dave Meltzer's Star Rating System
At the heart of Dave Meltzer’s enduring popularity are his star ratings. This subjective, yet widely accepted, system evaluates professional wrestling matches on a scale typically ranging from 0 to 5 stars, though he has famously awarded ratings beyond 5 stars for truly exceptional bouts. The scale is not merely a reflection of athletic prowess but encompasses a multitude of factors that contribute to a match's overall quality and impact.
When Meltzer assigns a rating, he considers elements such as in-ring psychology, storytelling, execution of moves, crowd reaction, historical significance, and the overall flow of the contest. A match might feature incredible athleticism but fall short on storytelling, resulting in a lower rating. Conversely, a simpler match with profound emotional resonance and a roaring crowd can achieve a higher score. It's a nuanced system that aims to capture the essence of what makes a wrestling match truly great, leading to the fervent discussions that often accompany Dave Meltzer ratings this week.
Dave Meltzer Ratings This Week: WrestleMania 40 & AEW Dynasty
The wrestling world is constantly buzzing with new events, and this week, the focus naturally turns to the latest critical evaluations from the Observer. Fans are particularly keen to see how major pay-per-views, which represent the pinnacle of storytelling and in-ring action, are assessed. The data indicates that Dave Meltzer’s star ratings for WrestleMania 40 are as follows, providing a definitive critical take on WWE's biggest show of the year. While specific individual match ratings for WrestleMania 40 aren't detailed in the provided data beyond the general statement, the anticipation around them highlights their importance to the wrestling community.
Beyond WWE, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) also garners significant attention. The data confirms that "Dave Meltzer has shared his match ratings for the 2025 edition of AEW Dynasty," with him "writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer gave his rundown of the action." This indicates a thorough review of AEW's recent major event, with fans eager to see which matches stood out and potentially earned the coveted 4-star or 5-star accolades. Similarly, the data notes that "Dave Meltzer has dug deep into his big bag of stars this week, and has pulled out two five star ratings for last weekend’s AEW Full Gear PPV in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter." This is a significant highlight, as 5-star ratings are rare and signify a match of exceptional quality, often becoming instant classics in the annals of wrestling history. These top-tier ratings from Full Gear will undoubtedly be a major talking point among fans and within the industry, solidifying their place among the best matches of the year.
Beyond the Stars: Recent TV Ratings & Viewership Analysis
While star ratings capture the artistic merit of matches, television viewership numbers reflect the commercial health and reach of wrestling promotions. Dave Meltzer, through the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, is also a primary source for this crucial data, providing context and analysis that goes beyond raw numbers.
AEW Dynamite's Performance
The latest television ratings and viewership data are always a hot topic. According to the provided information, "The TV ratings and viewership data are in for the April 9 episode of AEW Dynamite on TBS." Specifically, "Per Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, Dynamite netted 659,000 viewers and a 0.17" in the key demographic. A separate data point notes "AEW did 598k/0.18, that's with West Coast at 5 p.m., obviously not including Max." This indicates a slight fluctuation in viewership, and Meltzer's analysis would typically delve into factors like competition, lead-ins, and specific segments that might have influenced these numbers. The fact that it "Beat everything on cable but NBA & Fox News" highlights AEW Dynamite's consistent performance as a top-tier cable entertainment program, especially considering the early West Coast airtime for some viewers.
WWE Raw and Cable Trends
WWE's flagship show, Monday Night Raw, also sees its performance closely scrutinized. The data mentions "WWE Raw on Netflix June 2 viewership up from previous week," indicating positive momentum for the show. This is particularly relevant as WWE moves towards a future with more streaming integration. Meltzer often provides context for these numbers, comparing them to historical trends and the broader cable landscape. For the week of 11/11 to 11/17, the cable entertainment category saw "Yellowstone on Paramount was first, followed by Raw, Smackdown, the debut of Landman on Paramount." This places WWE's programming, including Raw and Smackdown, firmly among the top performers in a competitive entertainment market, showcasing their consistent ability to draw audiences.
Dave Meltzer on Warner Bros. Discovery
A brief, yet intriguing, fragment in the data mentions "Dave Meltzer on how the eventual WBD." While incomplete, this likely refers to Meltzer's ongoing analysis and insights into the relationship between All Elite Wrestling and its broadcast partner, Warner Bros. Discovery. Meltzer frequently discusses the financial implications, strategic decisions, and future outlook for wrestling promotions based on their television deals and network relationships. His commentary on WBD's long-term plans for AEW, potential streaming integrations, and the overall value of wrestling content to a major media conglomerate is always highly anticipated by industry observers.
The Cagematch.net Perspective: User Ratings vs. Meltzer
While Dave Meltzer's ratings are the gold standard for many, the rise of online communities has introduced alternative perspectives. Websites like Cagematch.net allow thousands of users to submit their own ratings, providing an aggregated fan consensus. The data notes, "The following matches have all received the highest scores from users of Cagematch.net this week, All scores are accurate as of May 5, 2025." This highlights a democratic approach to match evaluation, where collective fan sentiment can sometimes align with, or diverge from, Meltzer's singular expert opinion.
A specific example mentioned is "After her triumph over Mayu Iwatani to claim the IWGP Women’s." This likely refers to a highly-rated match involving Mayu Iwatani, a prominent figure in joshi puroresu (Japanese women's wrestling), which resonated strongly with Cagematch users. Comparing Cagematch's highest-rated matches with Dave Meltzer ratings this week offers a fascinating look at the different lenses through which wrestling quality is perceived – the seasoned critic's analytical eye versus the passionate collective voice of the global fanbase. Both perspectives are valuable, contributing to the rich tapestry of wrestling discourse.
Key Matches and Standout Performances
Beyond the major pay-per-views and overall TV numbers, Meltzer's ratings often highlight specific matches that delivered exceptional performances. The data points to several bouts that have either received, or are anticipated to receive, significant attention from Meltzer:
- Sami Zayn vs Bron Breakker: A clash of generations and styles, this match likely featured high-impact action and strong character work. Meltzer's assessment would focus on how well these two distinct performers meshed and the overall narrative of their encounter.
- Logan Paul vs LA Knight: This match would be scrutinized for its entertainment value, the surprising in-ring ability of a celebrity like Logan Paul, and the crowd's reaction to the highly popular LA Knight. Meltzer often considers the context and unique appeal of such crossover bouts.
- Cody Rhodes vs Solo Sikoa: A main event-level encounter, this match would be judged on its dramatic tension, the execution of key spots, and its place within the ongoing Bloodline storyline. The stakes involved would be a major factor in its critical evaluation.
- 3.5 NJPW Windy City Riot 2024: This specific rating (3.5 stars) for a New Japan Pro-Wrestling event indicates a solid, well-executed match that met expectations. NJPW is renowned for its high-quality in-ring product, and Meltzer's ratings for their events are always closely watched by purists.
Additionally, the data mentions, "The men’s match opened the show and saw a returning Oba Femi dominate the field to emerge victorious." This refers to an Iron Survivor Challenge match, a multi-person contest with unique rules. Meltzer's rating for such a match would consider the pacing, the creativity of the spots, and how well each participant was highlighted, especially a dominant performance like Oba Femi's. These individual match breakdowns form the core of Dave Meltzer ratings this week, offering detailed insights into the craftsmanship of professional wrestling.
The Broader Impact of Dave Meltzer's Work
Dave Meltzer's influence extends far beyond simply assigning stars to matches. His detailed analysis, historical archives, and willingness to delve into the business side of wrestling have made him an indispensable resource for fans, journalists, and even those within the industry. His ratings, while subjective, have become a benchmark for quality, often cited by wrestlers themselves as a measure of their performance. A high Meltzer rating can elevate a match's status, solidify a wrestler's legacy, and even influence booking decisions as promotions strive to produce critically acclaimed content.
Moreover, Meltzer's work has fostered a more informed and critical fanbase. By providing context and historical perspective, he encourages deeper engagement with the product, moving beyond simple cheers and boos to a more nuanced appreciation of wrestling as an art form. His consistent output in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter remains a vital pulse check for the industry, covering everything from television viewership trends to the long-term strategic decisions of major promotions. His insights on topics like "Dave Meltzer on how the eventual WBD" will continue to shape discussions about the future of wrestling's media landscape.
A Note on "Dave" (The Banking App): A Common Misconception
It's important to clarify a common point of confusion that sometimes arises due to similar naming conventions. While this article focuses on Dave Meltzer, the esteemed wrestling journalist and his renowned Dave Meltzer ratings this week, there is also a popular financial application known simply as "Dave." This "Dave" is a mobile banking app that aims to level the financial playing field for everyday Americans. Millions of people use it for services like cash advances, finding side hustles, and banking accounts with fewer fees. It offers features such as Extracash™ advances up to $500 with no credit check, no interest, and no late fees, as well as early pay and cashback. The app emphasizes no overdraft, minimum balance, or late fees, and provides services like income opportunity assistance and financial management for a membership fee of up to $5 per month. It’s crucial to understand that while the "Dave" app facilitates financial transactions and is available on platforms like the App Store and Google Play, and partners with Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC, to provide deposit accounts and issue debit cards, it is entirely separate and unrelated to Dave Meltzer, the individual who provides wrestling ratings and analysis. The two "Daves" operate in completely different spheres.
Conclusion: The Pulse of Pro Wrestling
As another week unfolds in the dynamic world of professional wrestling, the anticipation for Dave Meltzer ratings this week remains as strong as ever. From the critical analysis of major pay-per-views like WrestleMania 40 and AEW Dynasty to the detailed breakdown of television viewership and specific match performances, Meltzer's work continues to be an essential guide for understanding the industry's pulse. His ratings, alongside fan-driven platforms like Cagematch.net, provide a comprehensive look at what resonated with audiences and critics alike, shaping the ongoing narrative of wrestling excellence.
Dave Meltzer's legacy is not just in the numbers he assigns, but in the intelligent discourse he fosters and the historical record he meticulously maintains. His contributions have elevated wrestling journalism and continue to serve as a cornerstone for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this unique form of entertainment. What were your favorite matches this week? Do you agree with Meltzer's assessments, or do you find yourself aligning more with the Cagematch user scores? Share your thoughts in the comments below and keep the wrestling conversation going!
