WWE’s Long-Term Plans for Special NXT Episodes

WWE delivered a special NXT episode at the 2300 Arena, aired on the CW Network the day after the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. The event tapped into ECW nostalgia, but the origin of the concept remains unclear. No one within WWE has publicly taken credit for the idea.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that plans for an ECW-themed show at the iconic venue were in motion for a while. It’s also interesting to note that nobody has taken credit for that November 6 show internally.

Initially, the ECW themed event wasn’t tied to a specific date. However, WWE decided to move forward with the idea when they realized it would coincide with their head-to-head competition against AEW. They also decided on November 6 to avoid the U.S Presidential Election coverage on November 5.

Discussions are now reportedly underway about making this event an annual tradition. Unique venues have become a key strategy for televised wrestling, adding variety to the viewing experience. AEW is unlikely to pursue a similar event at the 2300 Arena, as it could be seen by fans as copying WWE’s concept.

It was noted that plans for an NXT show at the Hammerstein Ballroom have been postponed. Instead, NXT announced a December 17 taping in Lowell, MA. This taping will cover two weeks of programming to account for the Christmas Eve schedule.

The December 17 event will feature two back-to-back shows. The first will air on a one-hour tape delay, covering the 7–9 p.m. slot, while the second will air from 9–11 p.m. A show is also planned for New Year’s Eve, likely pre-recorded, though WWE has not confirmed this.

NXT continues to build momentum as WWE explores new strategies for its programming. Fans can look forward to more creative concepts as WWE capitalizes on its recent shows, because they have seen a lot of success so far.