By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE is expected to announce tonight on Raw that the NXT television show is moving to USA Network in a weekly two-hour time slot beginning Wednesday, September 18, according to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com.
Powell’s POV: WWE is obviously getting the jump on the AEW on TNT series that will premiere in the same time slot on October 2. Paul Levesque pointed out in his latest conference call with the pro wrestling media that Wednesday night has been the longtime home of the weekly NXT television series on WWE Network. While AEW is still clearly a major factor in the move, I did state several times over the years that I expected NXT to be added to WWE’s television rights package even if it couldn’t command the same type of money as Raw or Smackdown. In fact, around the time that Fox announced the acquisition of Smackdown, Jake Barnett and I stated several times in the Dot Net Weekly audio shows that USA Network would be wise to strike a cheaper deal for NXT if they were looking to replace the void created by Smackdown’s departure. There are a lot of unanswered questions and hopefully tonight’s reported announcement will provide some clarity.
My guess, is WWE won’t clarify anything other than the fact it will be airing on USA network. I could be wrong but I’d be shocked if they went into further detail or other particulars, at this point and time.
However depending on whether or not it will be a traveling show or a home based show I could see them saying something based on ticket selling needs otherwise I’m betting on them to let speculation fuel further interest with sept.18th being a month away
Guess I can cancel the network now and re-add it for the whopping 4 PPVs worth watching a year
You, and about 50 other people will do the same thing. But they have had some very good PPVs not in the usual Big 4.
Can’t wait for Vince to get his hands on NXT. Riddick Moss as the next NXT champion anyone?