WWE NXT Ratings Suffer Huge Decline; 'Deep Frustration' Confirmed

There is deep frustration over NXT's huge ratings decline. In late September, Nielsen changed the way it calculates TV ratings. As a result of this change, pro wrestling shows were expected to suffer, and WWE's developmental brand has been hit badly.

With Nielsen's introduction of the Big Data + Panel method, weekly shows in WWE and AEW have shown a drop in ratings. In a report by Wrestlenomics, the ratings in the key 18-to-49-year-old demographic are roughly 20% lower for WWE SmackDown, but NXT has a major drop.

The key demo rating for WWE NXT on CW is 27% lower using Nielsen’s Big Data. This led to CW expressing their concern over the new ratings system in a statement, saying it lacks transparency.

“We’ve expressed to Nielsen our deep frustration with the way it handled the process, communication, and methodology behind its Big Data rollout,” the statement read.

The network also questioned the credibility of the new system deployed by Nielsen with its Big Data method.

“The sudden and substantial discrepancy in WWE NXT viewership reported by Big Data, relative to long-established viewing patterns, is inexplicable and lacks credibility. Further, a comparison with data from all other measurement products (including others from Nielsen itself) exposes a fundamentally flawed methodology in Big Data. We are disappointed by Nielsen’s lack of cooperation, transparency, and accountability with its network partners as we work to resolve this issue,” the network further added. [H/T: Wrestlenomics]

According to Wrestlenomics, NXT has recorded 9% lower on average in total viewership under the new system.

WWE's developmental brand is run backstage by Shawn Michaels, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative, while Triple H is the company's Chief Content Officer.

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NXT Gold Rush began this week

NXT began the Gold Rush week this Tuesday, which saw four title matches. Ethan Page and Chelsea Green retained the AAA Mixed Tag Team championship after beating Joe Hendry and Thea Hail.

Blake Monroe was successful in her North American title defense against Sol Ruca, while DarkState beat Je'Von Evans and Leon Slater to keep the Tag Team titles with them.

The only title change on the night came when Jacy Jayne beat Tatum Paxley, after Izzi Dame betrayed the champion, to win the NXT Women's title. Gold Rush will continue next week.

Edited by Sherjeel Malik