WWE NXT’s ECW-Themed Show Had Nothing to Do with AEW

While AEW and WWE continue to face off in the ratings battle, with NXT coming out on top this week, there’s been speculation about whether WWE’s decision to put on an ECW-themed show was a calculated move aimed at their rival. However, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio set the record straight: WWE’s plans for the ECW-themed night at the 2300 Arena were in the works long before the head-to-head matchup with AEW was on the schedule.

“It was not about this specific night,” Meltzer shared. “Somebody had come up with that idea before, and it was one of those things where, ‘we’re going to run a show at the ECW Arena.’ Then when this [head-to-head] came up, it was like, ‘this is the night to do it.’ It wasn’t like someone said, ‘we got this head-to-head, what are we going to do?’ and someone had this brilliant idea. It was an idea they already had but it wasn’t for any specific date. And then it was like, ‘hey, this is the perfect date.’ And it was, and that’s why they won.”

The nostalgic ECW-themed night featured NXT embracing the history of the iconic 2300 Arena, drawing in fans of the old-school brand and adding a unique flavor to the night’s show. This move may have seemed like a response to AEW’s battle for viewers, especially as Tony Khan made headlines by tweeting AEW’s November lineup using the name “November To Remember,” an old ECW pay-per-view title. But according to Meltzer, WWE’s choice to go with the ECW theme wasn’t reactive—it was just a well-timed plan that coincidentally lined up with their competition’s big night.

Tony Khan’s promotion, AEW, continues to push boundaries in creative marketing and show promotion, but it seems WWE had this nostalgic play in their pocket long before any showdown with AEW Dynamite was on the horizon. The choice to execute it on the same night turned out to be perfect timing, giving NXT a significant boost and a memorable win in the ongoing ratings war.

What do you think about WWE’s ECW-themed night at the 2300 Arena? Was it a brilliant move or just fortunate timing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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