WWE NXT Announces Main Roster-Sized Arenas For The CW Premiere, CM Punk and Randy Orton to Appear

WWE NXT Announces Main Roster-Sized Arenas For The CW Premiere, CM Punk and Randy Orton to Appear

As a long-time WWE fan who has witnessed the evolution of NXT from its humble beginnings to a full-fledged powerhouse, I am nothing short of ecstatic about the latest development. The move to The CW is not just a step forward, but a giant leap for WWE NXT!


The brand WWE NXT is embarking on a new phase. For over ten years, this sports entertainment powerhouse’s developmental label has been airing weekly, finding its true form upon the launch of the WWE Network in 2014. Initially, WWE NXT was a one-hour pre-recorded show every Wednesday on WWE Network, leading up to quarterly network specials known as NXT Takeovers. By Fall 2019, WWE NXT transitioned to network television, becoming a live two-hour broadcast on USA Network during primetime Wednesdays, airing alongside AEW Dynamite on TNT. After losing the ratings battle against AEW, WWE NXT shifted to Tuesdays and eventually thrived in 2022, turning into a significant ratings draw and a sought-after product for networks across the nation. The CW eventually secured a multi-year agreement with WWE NXT, paying between $20-$25 million annually.

As a long-time wrestling enthusiast who grew up watching WWE NXT on various streaming platforms, I am thrilled to hear that this deal with The CW will make it accessible to more homes than ever before. Growing up in a small town where cable packages were limited, I often missed out on live events and new episodes. But now, with The CW available in 100 percent of U.S. households, I’m excited for the next generation of fans who will be able to enjoy WWE NXT without any limitations. This is a huge step forward for the wrestling community and a great move by both WWE and The CW. #wrestlingfan4life

WWE NXT Ventures to Chicago, St. Louis For The CW Debuts

WWE NXT Announces Main Roster-Sized Arenas For The CW Premiere, CM Punk and Randy Orton to Appear

WWE is making an added effort to supersize the white and gold’s new network launch.

According to a recent announcement, the popular series WWE NXT will be filmed at Chicago’s Allstate Arena and St. Louis’s Enterprise Center on October 1st and October 8th respectively. The event in Chicago marks the premiere broadcast of WWE NXT on The CW network.

Top-billed performers CM Punk (originally from Chicago) and Randy Orton (hailing from St. Louis) are set to make a live appearance. Whether they’ll make an appearance on the broadcasts remains uncertain. Tickets for these events will be available for purchase starting August 15th, 10 AM local time, through Ticketmaster.com. A special presale opportunity begins a day earlier, on August 14th, 10 AM local time.

Both Allstate Arena and Enterprise Center are substantial venues, capable of accommodating approximately 20,000 spectators each. Lately, Allstate Arena has been the stage for episodes of WWE Monday Night Raw (on March 25th) and WWE SmackDown (June 21st). On February 5th, WWE was at Enterprise Center for a live broadcast of WWE Monday Night Raw. Apart from pre-recorded episodes of WWE NXT filmed in arenas that have hosted previous NXT Takeover events, these live shows will mark the largest WWE NXT television broadcasts ever produced.

WWE NXT premieres on The CW on October 1st at 8 PM ET.

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2024-08-06 21:10