‘It’s Been a Game Changer’
WWE’s NXT program has found a new home on The CW, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. Since its debut on the network in October 2024, NXT has been a ratings powerhouse, with The CW experiencing its highest-rated quarter in five years, boasting a 19% increase year over year.
The move to The CW marks a significant shift for NXT, as it is the first time the program has aired on a broadcast network. Previously, NXT had been a fixture on the USA Network alongside other WWE programming from 2019-2024.
Brad Schwartz, president of The CW, expressed his excitement about the partnership with WWE in an interview with Variety. He highlighted the positive impact NXT has had on the network’s viewership, citing impressive ratings and a strong working relationship between The CW and WWE. Schwartz even shared a video of NXT creative head Shawn Michaels praising the network during a panel at WrestleMania weekend.
The collaboration between The CW and WWE extends beyond just airing NXT. Schwartz revealed that they are exploring ways to expand their partnership, including the possibility of introducing additional WWE programming on the network. In a move to integrate NXT talent into other CW shows, wrestlers like Tony D’Angelo and Trick Williams have made appearances on popular series like “Wild Cards” and “All American.”
The success of NXT on The CW has been undeniable, with Schwartz noting that the program regularly outperforms Fox in key demographics on Tuesday nights. This success has contributed to The CW’s overall growth, with a 40% increase in viewership season over season. Schwartz emphasized that aside from Fox’s animation lineup, NXT has the highest concentration of viewers in the 18-49 and 25-54 demographics among all broadcast networks.
Overall, the partnership between The CW and WWE has been a winning formula, with NXT proving to be a valuable asset for the network. As they continue to explore new ways to collaborate and engage viewers, the future looks bright for NXT on The CW.
