5 Reasons WWE NXT Is Losing Fan Interest
Source: WWE.com
1. Competition from Other WWE Network Programs
NXT was supposed to be the major drawing item on the WWE Network. It was meant to be the top show on that service, bringing in as many viewers as possible. Sadly for NXT, that hasn’t happened. In fact, as recently as two months ago, it was reported that NXT viewership was ‘way down’. This was not only due to major roster changes, but also as a result of serious competition from other WWE Network programs.
In one report, the Wrestling Observer noted that, in a list of VOD items on the Network, NXT placed 9th on a list of 10 items. For the month of September, NXT lost to: both Backlash and Clash of Champions, two different episodes of Ride Along, Table for 3, and Legends with JBL. That’s right: in terms of viewership, the most wrestling-oriented show on the WWE Network lost to two one-time PPVs and three shows without any actual wrestling involved whatsoever.
Related Story: 10 WWE Predictions for December 2016
This might be as big of an indication as any that NXT might be a ‘niche’ program, catering only to the most hardcore of fans. that might not be entirely true, but that’s what these figures suggest. If more fans want to see Kane, Big Show and Mark Henry talking around a dinner table than they those that want to see Samoa Joe and other wrestling in NXT, there might be a serious problem in NXT’s long-term future.