Could WWE NXT Change With New CW Network Deal?

It was revealed yesterday that WWE NXT will be broadcast on the CW Network from October 2024, with the deal a substantial increase on NXT’s current deal to air on USA.

The deal is a significant boost to NXT both in terms of financial gain and potential viewership increases. However, could this new deal force NXT into some changes?

A report from PWInsider suggests that WWE is ‘always open to conversations’ with networks about any necessary programming changes, with NXT famously moving from Wednesday nights to Tuesday nights during the so-called ‘Wednesday Night Wars’ with AEW Dynamite.

The report also states that whilst WWE believe that NXT TV tapings will continue out of the WWE Performance Center, there is scope for NXT to become a touring brand ‘if the financials made sense’. With the new broadcast deal believed to be a 70% increase per year financially from the current USA deal (believed to be worth $15million P.A.) then you’d assume this could be seriously considered by WWE going forward.

A further report from Fightul Select notes that WWE have been ‘very happy’ with NXT’s viewership figures in recent months, with the brand using main roster talents to help boost viewership. A recent head-to-head against a special Tuesday night AEW Dynamite saw NXT bring in the likes of John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and The Undertaker, with NXT handily defeating Dynamite in the ratings.

Fightful’s report further states that those within NXT management are hoping these main roster cameos continue, with NXT also ‘very happy’ with the brand’s performance from a ratings, talent evaluation, and performance standpoint.