NXT Rumoured To Air Head To Head With AEW On FOX FS1
The new wrestling war intensifies.
In potentially huge news disclosed in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer has revealed that:
"FOX is in talks about getting NXT onto television. While not said, I can definitely see NXT on FS 1 head-to-head with AEW. It’s kind of a no-lose situation for WWE. If the ratings are close with NXT on a weaker platform, it’s a blow to AEW. If NXT (sic) does significantly better, yes they did beat WWE but again, are on a stronger station and they only beat the developmental brand. Plus, if it siphons viewers from AEW, even 10 percent, it accomplishes the goal. This is not a done deal yet."
Author's Editorial Note:
A thoroughly predictable development, this could well prove to be an astute counter-programming tactic on WWE's part.
NXT, as the cult, pure wrestling brand, is a near-analogue to AEW. The brand boasts several beloved and acclaimed stars with which to compete against the emerging competition. And, as Meltzer points out, it is still classified as quasi-developmental. Any ratings defeat (a likely eventuality, based on the reach of the respective platforms) would not represent a humiliation.
What follows is speculation on top of speculation, but should NXT expand to two hours, such a move would require an overhaul of a product that is essentially guaranteed in quality. Certainly, NXT boasts the financial and creative resources to make it work. The roster, if anything, is too deep to accommodate at present. KUSHIDA has yet to appear at a TakeOver event, for example, and he arrived in Orlando as one of the recognised best global talents in the game. This may however impact NXT's perfected TakeOver formula; otherwise, so many featured acts may fade, if they aren't deemed important enough for the five-match card.
This news effectively confirms that AEW's weekly TV show will air on Wednesday nights, incidentally. The scheduled start time for the Road to All Out (8PM ET) also seems designed to accustom viewers to the slot.