WWE NXT ratings down, new reporting method introduced
The introduction of a new way of measuring TV ratings has led to some confusion over wrestling numbers.
Nielsen is using a new ratings method called “Big Data + Panel,” which — to this point — has mostly resulted in lower ratings for wrestling televisions shows than had been reported under the previous panel-only method of measurement.
Using the new method, Tuesday night’s WWE NXT episode averaged 572,000 viewers on The CW, down 19.1 percent from last week under the old way. This would be the lowest audience total for the show since August 6, 2024.
NXT drew a 0.10 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s down 41.2 percent from last week and ties the second-lowest reported rating the show has ever done in that category.
Under the old method, Tuesday’s show would have drawn a 0.16 rating in the demo. That’s still slightly down from last week but is a much smaller decrease than represented with the new method.
The show went against a big New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox MLB playoff game on Tuesday night.
Year-over-year comparisons — and even comparisons to the 10-week average — will not be as relevant with the new reporting system, though the latter will return once there is a couple months of appropriate data to compare.
