Is TNA's Lockdown 2013 at Alamodome a Case Study in Failure?

Honestly, the record for the announced 6700 attendees for Lockdown 2013 is shocking. It was an underwhelming card, with highlights primarily revolving around the tag team title match between Aries/Roode vs. Chavo/Hernandez vs. Kaz/Daniels. Match concepts like #8220;Aces and Eights, #8221;one of the greatest failures of a good concept, further diminished the event's appeal.

Alamodome Crowd Margins

The Alamodome struggles to seat large wrestling crowds without the presence of a major star. The record set there in 1997, when Shawn Michaels faced Psycho Sid (60,000 attendees), was a special occasion due to Michaels' hometown and significant WWE history. However, TNA's Lockdown 2013 is notable for being their largest crowd ever, with an approximate attendance of 7,200, as acknowledged by Dixie Carter. This was despite the event featuring a stacked line-up with some genuine matches.

Lockdown 2013 and TNA's Strategy

Unfortunately, TNA's Lockdown 2013 did not align with their usual successful formula. While a lot of people may blame Hulk Hogan, the main attraction at that time, the storyline with Aces and Eights, where Bully Ray defended the title against Jeff Hardy, was in full swing. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe was a standout match, a classic performance that can still be watched on video platforms.

In its heyday, TNA often struggled to maintain consistent attendee numbers. For example, the company failed to reach 60,000 attendees in several years and became part of the tourist attractions in Orlando, where live television tapings drew crowds that often attended for free. Dubbed 'papering,' this practice aimed to make the venue look full for television, showcasing a similar strategy used by old WCW but ultimately leading to significant financial and popularity issues.

The Question of AEW’s Success

Compared to TNA's struggles, AEW (All Elite Wrestling) has managed to secure large crowds. Despite not being able to replicate TNA's success in capturing a mainstream wrestling audience, AEW has seen its rise, with factors such as The Elite and The Bullet Club, alongside the popularity of Indy wrestling and the absence of WWE content on TNT, contributing to a more engaged fanbase.

Conclusion

The Alamodome’s ability to draw large wrestling crowds, especially without major stars, has been a critical factor in the success or failure of pay-per-views. TNA’s Lockdown 2013 remains a case study in the challenges of maintaining large crowds, with AEW offering a contrasting yet less paradoxical model of success in the modern wrestling landscape.