WWE reportedly has major plans for upcoming CW Network debut
WWE is preparing to make major changes to its television products as the new era moves forward. After a major revelation, backstage sources have just disclosed what is being planned for the WWE Universe in the near future.
NXT is set to leave the USA Network. It was announced last November that World Wrestling Entertainment's third brand would make its CW Network debut sometime this year, but the network confirmed this week that NXT will premiere on Tuesday, October 1, at 8 p.m. ET. The show will continue to air in its weekly timeslot as the two companies signed a five-year deal.
Officials are reportedly working on major plans for NXT's move to CW. PWInsider adds that early steps have been taken to hold the NXT CW premiere outside of the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, on the road and at a major arena.
The two sides are looking to approach the premiere episode as a major event. A backstage source compared this to the early TakeOver events in terms of its overall importance to the NXT brand. It was said that the Stamford-based promotion absolutely wants to put its best foot forward as it builds the partnership with CW.
Several different markets are being discussed for the NXT CW premiere, but Chicago seems to be the frontrunner after the past few days of talks. The Windy City is home to one of the headquarters for Nexstar Media Group, which now owns CW and actually did the NXT deal.
CW previously confirmed that they will air 52 episodes of NXT per year. This is the first time in its 13-year history that NXT will air on a broadcast TV network. It remains to be seen if NXT CW tapings will be held outside of Orlando past the premiere on October 1.
WWE President speaks on CW Network partnership
WWE NXT and the CW Network are full-fledged broadcast partners, as the two sides recently inked a five-year deal for the weekly NXT TV show.
The network recently added ACC football/basketball and LIV Golf to its live sports roster and will soon offer more than 500 hours of sports year-round. WWE President Nick Khan recently commented on the partnership with CW.
"The CW has made impressive moves over the past year with its live sports programming schedule. It’s a truly exciting opportunity to expand NXT’s audience by bringing the show to broadcast television for the first time in NXT’s history," Nick Khan said.
NXT has the potential to grow its fanbase as CW reaches 100% of all U.S. television households. They are one of America's major broadcast networks.