WWE Has Big Touring Goals For NXT Brand

WWE really wants to make the most out of their NXT brand. With television rights talks coming up for their developmental television show, WWE wants to make sure that they get the best offer on the table. They also have big dreams for the brand to get back to its former glory.

AEW and NXT battled it out on Wednesday nights, but then NXT moved to Tuesdays. That move had more to do with lineup changes than anything else, because NBCU had to make up for the fact that they were getting a lot more sports. Still, AEW counted that as a win.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that WWE wants to compete with AEW in a big way with NXT, and beat their 18 to 49 demographic. That being said, WWE also wants to get NXT back to the point where they can travel the road, working 2,000 seat venues every week.

There is a renewed focus from Endeavor as well as Nick Khan on making NXT what was termed a sustainable third brand. The idea is to build up the ratings so they can get a good rights fee for the show and then NXT can be a money maker. The goal is to go back to what it was, running regular tours outside of Florida in 2,000 seat arenas and taping television on the road like Raw and Smackdown. Keep in mind there is no time line for this, and they are still talking of NXT Europe and a full-time performance center in London as the backbone but nothing is happening there until 2024. Right now the goal for NXT that we keep hearing is to close the gap with Dynamite in the 18-34 age group, where they’ve been close the last few weeks and I believe a category NXT never beat AEW in previously, but in the new incarnation in recent weeks with the jump from using Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley, they’ve improved greatly in. The idea is that’s the age group they need to be strong for touring and to get new stars strong enough that they reach that audience and can tour with them on top. It was also noted internally how their Cedar Park, TX, show outdrew several of the recent Dynamite and Rampage tapings.

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We will have to see what WWE has in store for NXT to get them to a point where they can tour like that again. With the addition of Judgment Day into their weekly stories, they are certainly attracting a lot more attention, because Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley are bona fide ratings draws as well.

WWE could always have main roster Superstars appear at NXT events as dark matches for fans in attendance. That would give more time to NXT Superstars on television, but also give fans an extra incentive to show up. Keep checking back with Ringside News for more updates.

What’s your take on WWE taking NXT back on the road? Is that a good idea? Sound off in the comments to let us know what you’re thinking!