WWE has been using main roster talent in NXT to not only boost NXT’s ratings ahead of their media rights deal with the USA Network expiring next year but also to revamp some main roster talent, such as Baron Corbin while giving the younger stars a rub with bigger named stars.
This example was put on display this week as Becky Lynch won the NXT Women’s Title from Tiffany Stratton for the first time in her career in the main event of NXT, drawing 850,000 live viewers and a 0.26 rating for the 18-49 demographic.
It was the highest ratings since September 2020. Conversely, AEW Dynamite drew 888,000 viewers and a 0.31 rating.
WWE has reportedly had a goal of beating Dynamite in the ratings for the past few months and came close this week.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE nearly achieved their big goal of beating Dynamite in the 18-34 demo.
Meltzer wrote, “There was the big goal this week that moving Lynch to NXT would help them beat AEW in 18-34. In actuality, they came very close in total viewers, only 38,000 shy, and won in over 50 and women 35-49. But the 18-34 number saw 162,000 to 133,000 in favor of AEW.”
