Major change to follow after WWE makes an imminent network switch - Reports

WWE has announced some big network changes. As RAW moves to Netflix in 2025, SmackDown and NXT are making new homes. While the blue brand has moved to the USA Network from FOX, the developmental brand will move to the CW Network. According to reports, a major change will follow once NXT moves to CW.

According to PWInsider, streaming giant Peacock will be delisting all of its NXT content once the gold and white brand completes its CW transition. The report highlighted that this will not affect the stay of NXT’s premium live events.

The contract for PLEs reportedly doesn’t expire till February 2026, so they will still be accessible on Peacock. However, fans won’t be able to catch the action of WWE NXT after September 30, 2024.

WWE has already made several big announcements for the NXT shows when it makes the new network change. Notably, the first-ever show on the new platform will be recorded from Chicago, and CM Punk will call the shots on October 1, 2024.

Moreover, Randy Orton will also visit the developmental brand to face Je’Von Evans when the show moves to St. Louis, RKO’s home, on October 8, 2024. While the Stamford-based promotion is bringing several new things to NXT, an eminent pro wrestling analyst has noted that the show will face a big dip in its ratings.

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How will the ratings of WWE NXT fare after the CW transition?

Before SmackDown’s move from FOX to the USA Network, Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer predicted a fall in the ratings of SmackDown and NXT. He highlighted that a shift from network to cable for the blue brand would artificially drop its ratings due to decreased viewer access.

However, he didn’t present a positive picture for NXT as the brand moved from cable to network. Moreover, he said that the change would not significantly increase the show’s audience.

Meltzer, quoting the figures, claimed that the number of domestic viewers wouldn’t change much (CW Network has 71.25 million viewers compared to the USA Network's 68 million viewers).

With WWE already shocking the audience by turning Roxanne Perez on CM Punk, it would be interesting to see how NXT’s ratings fare after the CW transition.