Scheduling Conflict For NXT On FS1

WWE is really wanting to stop off of this momentum for AEW in a big way. They might not be able to acknowledge that All Elite Wrestling is competition, but that’s their mindset about it at this time which is a good one. However, it’s pretty unavoidable that WWE is interested in bringing NXT to FS1 for a reason.

Of course, this was an idea that was floated out there when the Fox deal was first made, but at the time it would have done FS1 a solid by making up for their loss of UFC programming. Now that AEW is on Wednesdays that seems to change things.

However, as it was noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE might have an issue with bringing NXT to FS1 so soon.

FS1 had a contract to air Big East basketball on Wednesday nights, so there may be a scheduling issue in the early months. The idea of NXT on FS2 would be counter productive since the goal is to beat AEW in ratings with a developmental show, not to draw lower numbers than AEW.

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For the record, TNT is available in about 89 million homes. FS1 is available in around 57 million homes. So no matter what WWE does there are still going to be over 30 million homes that can watch AEW without access to whatever WWE might want to counter program with on FS1.

We will have to wait and see what happens right now, but if things progress as they are expected then WWE might not be able to initiate any counter programming efforts on FS1 until they sort out the network’s previous obligations with college basketball.