WWE NXT##Season 4
{{Short description|Professional wrestling television program}}
{{About|the TV show|the brand itself|NXT (WWE brand)}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox television
| image = NXT2024.jpg
| image_alt =
| caption = WWE NXT logo (2024–present)
| alt_name = NXT Redemption (2011–12)
NXT 2.0 (2021–22)
| genre = Professional wrestling
| creator = {{Plainlist|
}}
| presenter = {{Plain list|
- Vic Joseph (play-by-play commentator)
- Corey Graves (color commentator)
- Booker T (color commentator)
}}
| composer =
| starring = NXT roster
| writer = {{Plainlist|
- Johnny Russo (Lead writer)
- See list of NXT creative writers
}}
| executive_producer = {{plainlist|
- Paul Levesque
- Lee Fitting
- Shawn Michaels
}}
| producer =
| opentheme = {{Plainlist|
- "Wild and Young" by American Bang (seasons 1–2 & 4–5)
- "You Make the Rain Fall" by Kevin Rudolf (season 3)
- "Welcome Home" by Coheed and Cambria (2012–14)
- "Roar of the Crowd" by CFO$ (2014–16)
- "Resistance" by Powerflo (2017–19)
- "All Out Life" by Slipknot (2019–20)
- "Say Cheese" by Poppy (2021)
- "Down South" by Wale feat. Yella Beezy & Maxo Kream (2021–22)
- "Millions From Now" by 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne (2024–present)
}}
| country = United States
| num_seasons = 18
| num_episodes = {{#expr:754 + {{age in weeks|October 1, 2024}}}}
| camera = Multi-camera setup
| runtime = {{Plainlist|
- 120 minutes
- 120–180 minutes
(TakeOver specials)
}}
| company = WWE
| network = Syfy
| first_aired = {{Start date|2010|02|23}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2010|09|28}}
| network2 = WWE.com
| first_aired2 = {{Start date|2010|10|05}}
| last_aired2 = {{End date|2012|06|13}}
| network3 = Hulu
| first_aired3 = {{Start date|2012|06|20}}
| last_aired3 = {{End date|2014|02|19}}{{refn|Replays of new episodes continue to air on Hulu.|group="nb"}}
| network4 = WWE Network
| first_aired4 = {{Start date|2014|02|27}}
| last_aired4 = {{End date|2019|09|11}}{{refn|Replays of new episodes continue to air on Peacock's WWE Network channel in the United States.|group="nb"}}
| network5 = USA Network
| first_aired5 = {{Start date|2019|09|18}}
| last_aired5 = {{End date|2024|09|24}}
| network6 = The CW
| first_aired6 = {{Start date|2024|10|01}}
| last_aired6 = present
| related = {{Plainlist|
}}
| language =
| list_episodes =
| channel =
}}
WWE NXT, also known simply as NXT, is an American professional wrestling television program. It is produced by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE, featuring wrestlers from the promotion's NXT brand division. The show currently airs live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on The CW in the United States, and in most international markets on Netflix.
NXT initially debuted in 2010 on Syfy as a seasonal show which was presented as a hybrid between WWE's scripted live event shows and reality television, in which talent from WWE's then-developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) participated in a competition to become WWE's next "breakout star", with the help of mentors from WWE's Raw and SmackDown brands. Five seasons of this iteration were broadcast, with Wade Barrett, Kaval, Kaitlyn, and Johnny Curtis as winners. In June 2012, WWE ended the seasonal competition format and opted to revamp the show as a developmental wrestling program, replacing FCW. NXT became the flagship television show of the NXT brand, and has since received a positive reception and high viewership, with praise for its high quality of wrestling{{cite news|last=Shoemaker|first=David|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wwe-tlc-nxt-takeover-evolution-cm-punk-sami-zayn-vince-mcmahon-kevin-owens-john-cena-seth-rollins-ppv/|title=The Best Wrestling Show of the Year Wasn't WWE's 'TLC' ... It Was 'NXT Takeover: R Evolution'|date=December 17, 2014|access-date=February 26, 2015|publisher=Grantland|website=grantland.com|archive-date=June 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607214431/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wwe-tlc-nxt-takeover-evolution-cm-punk-sami-zayn-vince-mcmahon-kevin-owens-john-cena-seth-rollins-ppv/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Beougher|first=Wyatt|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/nxt-is-the-best-weekly-episodic-wrestling-show-today-period/|title=NXT Is the Best Weekly Episodic Wrestling Show Today, Period|date=December 15, 2014|access-date=February 26, 2015|publisher=411mania|website=411mania.com|archive-date=February 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227023814/http://411mania.com/wrestling/nxt-is-the-best-weekly-episodic-wrestling-show-today-period/|url-status=live}} and captivating storylines, particularly from 2014 to 2018.{{cite magazine|last=Oster|first=Aaron|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/nxt-where-the-women-work-20150226|title=NXT, Where the Women Work|date=February 26, 2015|access-date=February 26, 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=February 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227133749/http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/nxt-where-the-women-work-20150226|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Chin|first=Mike|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/the-magnificent-seven-the-top-7-wwe-moments-of-2015|title=The Magnificent Seven: The Top 7 WWE Moments of 2015|publisher=411MANIA|website=www.411mania.com|access-date=March 14, 2019|archive-date=October 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015074202/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-magnificent-seven-the-top-7-wwe-moments-of-2015/|url-status=live}}
The initial version of the show made its debut on Syfy on February 23, 2010, replacing WWE ECW, but was replaced by SmackDown in October. It then aired as an hourly webcast on WWE.com in the United States until June 13, 2012, before it was expanded to international markets on the WWE Network in 2014. In 2019, NXT expanded into a live two-hour program on the USA Network, airing on Wednesday nights, at the same time as rival promotion All Elite Wrestling's flagship show Dynamite on TNT, before moving to Tuesday nights in April 2021. In September 2021, NXT was revamped and rebranded as NXT 2.0. A supplementary show titled NXT Level Up aired from February 18, 2022 until December 27, 2024, replacing 205 Live. In September 2022, "2.0" was dropped from the title, and on October 1, 2024, NXT moved to The CW.
The WWE Network ceased operations in the United States on April 5, 2021, with all content being moved to Peacock, which currently has most previous NXT episodes, excluding content that was censored or removed by Peacock TV's standards and practices department.{{cite web |first=Alfred |last=Konuwa |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2021/03/29/wwe-network-content-continues-to-be-censored-ahead-of-move-to-peacock/ |title=WWE Network Content Continues To Be Censored Ahead Of Move To Peacock |work=Forbes.com |date=2021-03-29 |accessdate=2022-02-26 |archive-date=April 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424174934/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2021/03/29/wwe-network-content-continues-to-be-censored-ahead-of-move-to-peacock/ |url-status=live }} Recent episodes are still available for on-demand viewing 30 days after the original air date.{{cite news |last1=Welch |first1=Chris |title=WWE Network on Peacock: your questions answered |url=https://www.theverge.com/22319438/wwe-network-peacock-features-price-faq-deal |access-date=10 April 2021 |work=The Verge |date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308183034/https://www.theverge.com/22319438/wwe-network-peacock-features-price-faq-deal |archive-date=8 March 2021 |quote=In-ring action with new weekly episodes of NXT the day after air, as well as the 2021 replays of RAW and SmackDown 30 days after air.}}
History
=Background=
On February 2, 2010, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon introduced a new weekly program that would replace the canceled ECW in its time slot on Syfy. McMahon described the show as "the next evolution of WWE; the next evolution of television history".{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=February 2, 2010|title=Parks' ECW TV Report 2/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of the show, including Vince McMahon's announcement on the future of ECW|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38686.shtml|access-date=27 May 2021|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409124739/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38686.shtml|url-status=live}}
The new show's name, NXT,{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38751.shtml|first=James|last=Caldwell|title=Caldwell's WWE Superstar TV Report 2/4: Complete coverage of Team Morrison vs. Team McIntyre six-man tag, awesome Bourne vs. Carlito match|date=February 4, 2010|access-date=February 10, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409143304/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38751.shtml|url-status=live}} was later discovered to be trademark already in the United Kingdom by National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) affiliate Scottish Wrestling Alliance (SWA) which also used "NXT" as their brand for upcoming stars. Both parties ultimately reached an agreement that resulted in SWA releasing the "NXT" trademark in favor of a new one before the show's debut.{{cite web|url=http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-news/local-news-in-renfrewshire/paisley-news/2010/02/06/wrestling-dispute-87085-25772518|first=Cameron|last=Hay|title=Wrestling Dispute|date=February 6, 2010|access-date=February 15, 2010|work=Paisley Daily Express|archive-date=February 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218105502/http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-news/local-news-in-renfrewshire/paisley-news/2010/02/06/wrestling-dispute-87085-25772518/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://scottishwrestling.co.uk/blog/news/source|title=Source|last=Murphy|first=PJ|publisher=Scottish Wrestling Alliance|access-date=February 14, 2010|archive-date=February 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225032147/http://scottishwrestling.co.uk/blog/news/source/|url-status=live}}
The show's format was revealed in an article by Variety on February 16, with a press release from WWE made shortly later that day.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2010/tv/news/wwe-s-ecw-ends-run-on-syfy-1118015260/|title=WWE's 'ECW' ends run on Syfy|last=Graser|first=Marc|work=Variety|date=February 16, 2010|access-date=February 16, 2010|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107072715/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118015260?refCatId=14|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT Report 6/13 – Week 67: Final episode of Season 5, WWE introduces FCW stars for Season 6, Usos close out the season|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_62428.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 28, 2012|archive-date=August 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826115925/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_62428.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2010/WWECorporate-.jsp|title=WWE NXT debuts on Syfy|date=February 16, 2010|access-date=February 16, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221210858/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2010/WWECorporate-.jsp|archive-date=February 21, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} NXT is the second reality-based series produced by WWE, the first being WWE Tough Enough which aired between 2001 and 2004. Due to WWE's nature of airing weekly shows without hiatus, the plan for NXT was to split the year's set of episodes into multiple seasons.
= Original format (2010–2012) =
{{main|WWE NXT seasons 1–5}}
NXT was formed in 2010 when they paired up wrestlers from WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (dubbed "Rookies") with wrestlers from WWE's existing Raw and SmackDown brands (dubbed "Pros"). Each episode featured the rookies being mentored by the pros as they develop their gimmick and performance skills in front of a live audience. The pairings also enabled the show to crossover into WWE's Raw and SmackDown programs. As the length of each season differed, features of the competition occur at different times accordingly. In addition to matches, weekly challenges were held during the competition to further test the Rookies' physical and mental skills.{{cite web|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|date=March 6, 2010|title=Slater gets rocked|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/04062010|access-date=27 May 2021|publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422205321/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/04062010/|url-status=live}}
Past physical challenges include a keg carrying contest, an assault course contest and a "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em" tournament.{{cite web|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|date=July 20, 2010|title=Perfection on the course|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/07202010|access-date=27 May 2021|publisher=WWE|archive-date=July 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731105350/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/07202010/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|date=April 2, 2010|title=NXT Rookie rocks 'the best'|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/04202010|access-date=27 May 2021|publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511074501/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/04202010/|url-status=live}} Past non-physical challenges include making 30-second promos on a given topic and selling programme within a time limit.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/07062010/|title=Not-so-lucky night|first=Kara A.|last=Medalis|date=July 6, 2010|access-date=July 24, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530224053/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/07062010/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/04272010|title=Cornfed victory|first=Kara|last=Medalis|date=April 27, 2010|access-date=July 24, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=August 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815082518/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/04272010/|url-status=live}}
During the first two seasons, the winner of the weekly challenge receives a special prize such as a main event match, a talk show segment or a feature on WWE's official website. One of the more frequent prizes given out to the winner is an "Immunity Pass", which gives the holder immunity from elimination in the next round of polls.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/05042010|title=Overcoming obstacles|first=Kara|last=Medalis|date=May 4, 2010|access-date=May 4, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519015109/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/05042010/|url-status=live}} During the last three seasons a greater emphasis on challenges was placed on the show. Instead of awarding prizes to the winner of the challenges, points are instead awarded to the winner with a cumulative tally of points recorded before each of the first three polls. The Rookie with the most points before the next upcoming poll is awarded immunity.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_43628.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 9/7: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 3, Week 1 – Season Premiere|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=September 7, 2010|access-date=September 8, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427023536/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_43628.shtml|url-status=live}} In season three, one point is awarded for winning the challenge.
In October 2010, WWE moved their show SmackDown to Syfy, with NXT leaving the network at the same time.{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2010/WWECorporate-2010_04_13.jsp|title=SmackDown Goes SyFy|date=March 13, 2010|access-date=March 13, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416182439/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2010/WWECorporate-2010_04_13.jsp|archive-date=April 16, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/456894-Syfy_Tweaks_Lineup_To_Bring_Caprica_Back_Early.php|title=Syfy Tweaks Lineup to Bring "Caprica" Back Early|first=Kent|last=Gibbons|date=September 9, 2010|access-date=September 10, 2010|work=Multichannel News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912174605/http://www.multichannel.com/article/456894-Syfy_Tweaks_Lineup_To_Bring_Caprica_Back_Early.php|archive-date=September 12, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_43231.shtml|title=WWE News: Update on NXT's Future On Syfy|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=August 19, 2010|access-date=August 20, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409124745/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_43231.shtml|url-status=live}} Despite WWE's stated intention of broadcasting the show on another TV channel,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/business/media/14wrestle.html|title=WWE's "SmackDown" Is Moving to Cable TV|first=Brian|last=Stelter|date=March 13, 2010|access-date=March 14, 2010|work=New York Times|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025170642/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/business/media/14wrestle.html|url-status=live}} NXT began to be aired as a webcast on WWE's website for American visitors.
In season four, the number of points vary on the difficulty of the challenge.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_46058.shtml|title=Parks' WWE NXT Report 12/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including the rookie obstacle course|first=Chris|last=Parks|date=December 14, 2010|access-date=December 15, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=December 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217192359/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_46058.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/articles/16571240/strikerrules|title=Matt Striker discusses WWE NXT's new twist|first=Joey|last=Styles|author-link=Joey Styles|date=December 20, 2010|access-date=December 21, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530210825/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/articles/16571240/strikerrules|url-status=live}} In the result of a tie-break, the audience is then asked to vote for the Rookie they want to get immunity.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_44302.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 10/5: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 3, Week 5 – first episode on WWE's website|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=October 5, 2010|access-date=October 5, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427022142/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_44302.shtml|url-status=live}} Season four also saw the introduction of challenge matches involving the entire roster of Pros or Rookies where the winner would be given the chance to swap their respective Rookie or Pro for another.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_46528.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 1/4: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 4, Week 5 – first elimination to begin 2011|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=January 4, 2011|access-date=January 5, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054242/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_46528.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_47077.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 1/25: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 4, Week 8 – Bryan and DiBiase put on a clinic, Rookie Challenges|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=January 25, 2011|access-date=January 26, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184528/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_47077.shtml|url-status=live}} In various weeks, polls were held to evaluate the success of each Rookie and determine the winner of the competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/03022010|title=Rising to the challenge|first=Ryan|last=Murphy|date=March 2, 2010|access-date=March 3, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=March 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314063347/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/03022010/|url-status=live}} The poll rankings are entirely determined by votes from the Pros and starting from season 2, votes from fans via WWE's official website.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/06012010|title=Wade Barrett wins WWE NXT|first=Kara|last=Medalis|date=June 1, 2010|access-date=June 2, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=June 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613160030/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/06012010/|url-status=live}} In the Pros' votes, each of the Pros vote for their favorite Rookie, but cannot vote for their own Rookie. Their votes are based on the following four criteria:{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/03232010|title=A-List, A-Game|first=Kara|last=Medalis|date=March 23, 2010|access-date=March 24, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406025213/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/03232010/|url-status=live}}
- Win–loss record within the show
- Strength of opponents
- Work ethic
- "It" factor
Initially, in the first two seasons the full results and rankings from the poll were revealed. However, since August 17, 2010 only the elimination is revealed.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/17/15056436.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731005341/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/17/15056436.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 31, 2012|title=WWE NXT: 2 more rookies sent packing as tensions rise|first=Matt|last=Bishop|date=August 17, 2010|access-date=September 6, 2010|work=Canadian Online Explorer|publisher=Slam! Sports}} The first poll, usually held a third of the way through the competition, determines the Rookies' rankings. Subsequent polls are held several weeks later near the end of the season, where the lowest ranked Rookie without immunity is eliminated.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/03302010|title=Monday night goes 'A-List'|first=Kara|last=Medalis|date=March 30, 2010|access-date=March 31, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422205316/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/03302010/|url-status=live}} Season 2 was set to use this format, but was changed to have the first poll an elimination poll.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/06292010|title=Warrior's Way to No. 1|date=June 29, 2010|access-date=June 30, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=July 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710054826/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/06292010/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/06082010|title=Welcome to season two|first=Kara A.|last=Medalis|date=August 8, 2010|access-date=August 9, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=August 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828110712/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/06082010/|url-status=live}} Season three also used the second season's format. The show continued until the season finale, where the final two or three Rookies appear. One or two final polls were then held to determine the winner of the competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/05252010|title=Slater's show is over|first=Kara|last=Medalis|date=May 25, 2010|access-date=May 26, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=August 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815082529/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/05252010/|url-status=live}} The prize for the winner is a WWE contract as well as a championship match at any list of WWE pay-per-views.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/13609274|title=An early clash|first=Kara|last=Medalis|date=February 23, 2010|access-date=February 24, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=March 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308063651/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/13609274/|url-status=live}} Outside of the polls, Rookies could still be eliminated via an executive decision from WWE management, as the first season saw both Daniel Bryan and Michael Tarver eliminated by management for a lack of self-confidence.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/05112010|title=Three goodbyes|first=Kara|last=Medalis|date=May 11, 2010|access-date=May 12, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523115509/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/05112010/|url-status=live}}
Starting in 2012, the all-rookie competition was abandoned with the show now featuring past and present rookies alongside lower cardmembers of the main WWE roster. William Regal would also take over as the authority figure and match coordinator, with Matt Striker being retained as the show's host. On May 30, 2012, it was revealed that a sixth season of NXT under its original format was set to air. The season was supposed to star Big E, Seth Rollins, Damien Sandow, Hunico, Bo Dallas and Adam Rose as the season's rookies, but ultimately was cancelled before airing.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Big E comments on lost season of WWE NXT|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/big-e-seth-rollins-lost-season-of-nxt|access-date=27 May 2021|website=WWE|archive-date=July 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702141223/http://www.wwe.com/article/big-e-seth-rollins-lost-season-of-nxt|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=5 Superstars from the NXT season you weren't meant to see|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhdJ6MxY7tA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/jhdJ6MxY7tA |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|website=Youtube| date=June 30, 2017 |publisher=WWE|access-date=July 13, 2017}}{{cbignore}}
= Reboot (2012–2019) =
{{main|NXT (WWE brand)}}
In May 2012, the show's format was revamped. The show began using more talent from FCW as well as talent from the main roster. The first four episodes under the new format were taped at Full Sail University on May 17.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27030-wwe-news-fcw-name-being-phased-out|title=WWE News: FCW name being phased out|access-date=August 14, 2012|publisher=Wrestling Observer|archive-date=August 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817223142/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27030-wwe-news-fcw-name-being-phased-out|url-status=live}} Beginning with NXT Arrival in February 2014, NXT has occasionally aired live specials on the WWE Network. These events would be aired under the NXT TakeOver banner from May 2014 to 2021, and effectively serve as the brand's equivalent to the main roster's pay-per-view shows.
WWE continued to air NXT Redemption, hoping a new television deal could be made. WWE.com revealed on June 13 that the new version of NXT would be made available online via WWE.com and YouTube beginning on Wednesday, June 20; when WWE would begin airing the episodes they taped at Full Sail on May 17. However, WWE removed all of the NXT material from their website on June 19.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/256649-current-plan-for-3-hour-raw-shows-wwe-pulls-mentions-of-nxt|title=WWE Pulls Mentions of NXT|last=Paglino|first=Nick|work=Wrestle Zone|date=June 20, 2012|access-date=June 21, 2012|archive-date=December 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214082802/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/256649-current-plan-for-3-hour-raw-shows-wwe-pulls-mentions-of-nxt|url-status=live}} NXT was then aired exclusively on Hulu and Hulu Plus in the United States, while continuing to be broadcast internationally.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/hulu/statuses/370673577315409920|title=hulu on Twitter|publisher=Twitter|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=June 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626011612/https://twitter.com/hulu/statuses/370673577315409920|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hulu.com/wwe-nxt|title=WWE NXT|publisher=Hulu|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=January 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112172333/http://www.hulu.com/wwe-nxt|url-status=live}}
Image: WWE NXT - arena - 2016-09-17 - 02.jpg in Ralston, Nebraska in 2016.]]
NXT returned to cable on December 20, 2017, airing a 1-hour special on USA Network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/evolution-of-nxt-continues-triple-h-thrilled-as-wwes-brand-set-for-first-tv-special/|title=Evolution of NXT continues: Triple H thrilled as WWE's brand set for first TV special|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=December 13, 2017|archive-date=February 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218021530/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/evolution-of-nxt-continues-triple-h-thrilled-as-wwes-brand-set-for-first-tv-special/|url-status=live}}
=USA Network (2019–2024)=
In September 2019, NXT permanently moved to USA Network and was revamped as a live, two-hour program on Wednesday nights, with replays available the following day on WWE Network.{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/08/19/wwe-nxt-usa-network-announcement-aew|title=NXT moving to cable TV on Sept. 18|website=SI.com|date=August 19, 2019|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926195228/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/08/19/wwe-nxt-usa-network-announcement-aew|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/wwe-nxt-usa-network-deal-1203307413/|title=WWE's 'NXT' Moves to USA Network as Wrestling Competition Heats Up|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=August 20, 2019|work=Variety|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=October 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004203151/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/wwe-nxt-usa-network-deal-1203307413/|url-status=live}} Due to scheduling overlap with the final episodes of Suits, the second hour of the program was aired on WWE Network until October 2, when it began airing in its entirety on USA. This started the Wednesday Night Wars,{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/09/05/wwe-nxt-first-two-live-episodes-usa-network-wwe-network-split-aew/|title=NXT to Split First Two Live Episodes Between USA and WWE Network|website=ComicBook.com|access-date=September 6, 2019|archive-date=September 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906173648/https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/09/05/wwe-nxt-first-two-live-episodes-usa-network-wwe-network-split-aew/|url-status=live}} during which NXT was broadcast in direct competition with rival wrestling show AEW Dynamite, which aired in the same time slot on TNT.{{Cite web|last=Harris|first=Jeffrey|date=April 15, 2021|title=First Post-Wednesday Night Wars AEW Dynamite Breaks Over 1.2 Million Viewers, Surge in Ratings|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/first-post-wednesday-night-wars-aew-dynamite-breaks-over-1-2-million-viewers-surge-in-ratings/|access-date=July 11, 2021|website=411Mania|language=en-US|archive-date=July 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714160703/https://411mania.com/wrestling/first-post-wednesday-night-wars-aew-dynamite-breaks-over-1-2-million-viewers-surge-in-ratings/|url-status=live}} Several publications noted the similarity between this ratings war and the Monday Night War that had involved Raw and WCW Monday Nitro.{{Cite web|last=Goodwillie|first=Ian|date=June 2, 2021|title=Any "victory" in the Wednesday Night Wars was hollow at best|url=https://dailyddt.com/2021/06/02/victory-wednesday-night-wars-hollow-best/|access-date=July 11, 2021|website=Daily DDT|language=en-US|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711163404/https://dailyddt.com/2021/06/02/victory-wednesday-night-wars-hollow-best/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Khandakar|first=Saad|date=June 9, 2021|title=Who Won the Wednesday Night Wars?|url=https://thesciencesurvey.com/sports/2021/06/09/who-won-the-wednesday-night-wars/|access-date=July 11, 2021|website=The Science Survey|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711163356/https://thesciencesurvey.com/sports/2021/06/09/who-won-the-wednesday-night-wars/|url-status=live}}
Beginning with the March 18, 2020, episode of NXT, WWE began filming all of its programs without an audience at Full Sail University as a result of restrictions imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 4, 2020, NXT relocated from Full Sail to the WWE Performance Center's main studio, citing logistical issues preventing it from continuing its residency at the university. The studio—which had been used by Raw and SmackDown from March to August due to COVID-19—was reconfigured as the "Capitol Wrestling Center", which featured a virtual audience on a video wall, and a limited in-person audience shielded behind plexiglass barriers.{{Cite web |title=Full Sail University Shuts Down, NXT Tapings Heading to WWE PC |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/134680/full-sail-university-shuts-down-nxt-tapings-heading-to-wwe-pc.html?p=1 |access-date=2020-11-02 |website=www.pwinsider.com |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512100202/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/134680/full-sail-university-shuts-down-nxt-tapings-heading-to-wwe-pc.html?p=1 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Pollock |first=John |date=2020-10-02 |title=NXT moving to the Performance Center beginning with TakeOver |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2020/10/01/nxt-moving-to-the-performance-center-beginning-with-takeover/ |access-date=2020-11-02 |website=Post Wrestling |language=en-US |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426034912/https://www.postwrestling.com/2020/10/01/nxt-moving-to-the-performance-center-beginning-with-takeover/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |title=NXT Unveiling the Capitol Wrestling Center at Sunday's TakeOver 31 |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/10/04/nxt-unveiling-capitol-wrestling-center |access-date=2020-10-30 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=October 4, 2020 |language=en-us |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121121035/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/10/04/nxt-unveiling-capitol-wrestling-center |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-10-05 |title=NXT Takeover 31: Every champion retains inside the Capitol Wrestling Center |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2020/10/04/nxt-takeover-31-every-champion-retains-inside-the-capitol-wrestling-center/ |access-date=2021-06-17 |website=Slam Wrestling |language=en-US |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220201331/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2020/10/04/nxt-takeover-31-every-champion-retains-inside-the-capitol-wrestling-center/ |url-status=live }} COVID-19 measures in the studio began to be lifted in April 2021, and removed entirely in June.{{cite web |last1=Dias |first1=Luke |date=June 13, 2021 |title=WWE Achieves Record High CWC Attendance for NXT TakeOver: In Your House |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-raw-smackdown-nxt-wwe-achieves-record-high-cwc-attendance-for-nxt-takeover-in-your-house/ |access-date=June 15, 2021 |website=EssentiallySports}}
With the end of Wednesday Night Wars, on April 13, 2021, following WrestleMania 37, WWE moved NXT back to Tuesday nights.{{Cite web|last=Beaston|first=Erik|title=Backstage WWE Rumors: Latest on Asuka, NXT and WrestleMania 37 Leaks|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2934441-backstage-wwe-rumors-latest-on-asuka-nxt-and-wrestlemania-37-leaks|access-date=March 6, 2021|work=Bleacher Report|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305095701/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2934441-backstage-wwe-rumors-latest-on-asuka-nxt-and-wrestlemania-37-leaks|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=NXT moves to Tuesday nights beginning April 13|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/nxt-moves-to-tuesday-nights-beginning-april-13|work=WWE|date=March 30, 2021|access-date=March 30, 2021|archive-date=March 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330133705/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/nxt-moves-to-tuesday-nights-beginning-april-13|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=NXT Officially Moving To Tuesdays Beginning April 13, Multi-Year Extension With USA Network Announced|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/nxt-officially-moving-tuesdays-beginning-april-13-multi-year-extension-usa-network-announced|work=Fightful|date=March 30, 2021|access-date=March 30, 2021|archive-date=March 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330134528/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/nxt-officially-moving-tuesdays-beginning-april-13-multi-year-extension-usa-network-announced|url-status=live}} After twelve NXT wrestlers were released from their contracts that August, Dave Scherer and Mike Johnson of Pro Wrestling Insider reported there had been internal talks of major changes to the brand, such as: "a new logo, new lighting, a focus on younger talents and a different format to the TV shows."{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |title=12 WWE NXT Releases, Why This May Have Happened (Updated) |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/149482/12-wwe-nxt-releases-why-this-may-have-happened-updated.html?p=1 |website=Pro Wrestling Insider |date=August 6, 2021 |access-date=August 7, 2021 |archive-date=August 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807015610/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/149482/12-wwe-nxt-releases-why-this-may-have-happened-updated.html?p=1 |url-status=live }} Dave Meltzer reported that, after having lost the ratings war with AEW, NXT will likely go back to their developmental roots, with "talent that are younger, bigger and that could someday main event at WrestleMania."{{cite web |last1=Nason |first1=Josh |title=WWE NXT cuts led by Vince McMahon, changes coming to brand |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/wwe-nxt-cuts-led-vince-mcmahon-changes-coming-brand-349416 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |access-date=August 9, 2021 |language=en |date=August 8, 2021 |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808213856/https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/wwe-nxt-cuts-led-vince-mcmahon-changes-coming-brand-349416 |url-status=live }} WWE President Nick Khan subsequently confirmed that NXT would undergo a "complete revamp" overseen by Triple H.{{cite web |last1=Heydorn |first1=Zack |title=Nick Khan details upcoming changes and revamping of NXT! NXT 2.0 Begins September 14,2021 with the ReBranding of NXT and a fatal four way for the WWE NXT Championship which was vacated after a Samoa Joe injury. |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/08/22/nick-khan-details-upcoming-changes-and-revamping-of-nxt/ |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=August 31, 2021 |date=22 August 2021 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831073325/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/08/22/nick-khan-details-upcoming-changes-and-revamping-of-nxt/ |url-status=live }} However, due to undergoing heart surgery in September, Levesque stepped away from NXT{{cite web |last1=Mooneyham |first1=Mike |title=WWE sending signal with release of NXT staff, respected vets |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/wrestling/wwe-sending-signal-with-release-of-nxt-staff-respected-vets/article_f56be3de-7933-11ec-9ba7-83d5b3a39fc3.html |website=The Post and Courier |access-date=February 2, 2022 |date=January 22, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=February 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202122037/https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/wrestling/wwe-sending-signal-with-release-of-nxt-staff-respected-vets/article_f56be3de-7933-11ec-9ba7-83d5b3a39fc3.html |url-status=live }} with Shawn Michaels stepping in to oversee the changes.{{cite web |last1=Matthews |first1=Graham GSM |title=From NXT to NFTs: Shawn Michaels Is Helping Pave WWE's Future |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10044898-from-nxt-to-nfts-shawn-michaels-is-helping-pave-wwes-future |publisher=Bleacher Report |date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813015500/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10044898-from-nxt-to-nfts-shawn-michaels-is-helping-pave-wwes-future |url-status=live }}
On the September 14, 2021 episode of NXT, the program was relaunched as NXT 2.0 to mark the changes, introducing a new rainbow-colored logo and redesigned studio.{{cite web |last1=Reddick |first1=Jay |date=September 14, 2021 |title=NXT 2.0: A wrestling obituary or a rebirth? We'll find out tonight |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/pro-wrestling/os-sp-wwe-nxt-wrestling-obituary-rebirth-20210914-a2kkichcxjgj5mu7737mvmjfz4-story.html |access-date=September 15, 2021 |work=Orlando Sentinel |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914235306/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/pro-wrestling/os-sp-wwe-nxt-wrestling-obituary-rebirth-20210914-a2kkichcxjgj5mu7737mvmjfz4-story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=WWE NXT video highlights: NXT 2.0 begins |language=en |work=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt-news/wwe-nxt-video-highlights-nxt-20-begins-353491 |access-date=2023-11-07 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107223214/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt-news/wwe-nxt-video-highlights-nxt-20-begins-353491 |url-status=live }} In September 2022, Michaels' role was made permanent, with his job title confirmed as Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, responsible for both creative and development at NXT.{{cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=September 7, 2022 |title=Shawn Michaels promoted to WWE senior vice president of talent development creative |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/shawn-michaels-promoted-to-wwe-senior-vice-president-of-talent-development-creative/ |access-date=January 1, 2023 |work=CBSSports.com |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911120803/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/shawn-michaels-promoted-to-wwe-senior-vice-president-of-talent-development-creative/ |url-status=live }} At the conclusion of the September 13, 2022 episode of NXT (which marked the one-year anniversary of the relaunch), an updated NXT logo was unveiled, removing the "2.0" branding and returning to a gold color scheme.{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |title=WWE NXT changes logo, returns to black and gold color scheme |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/wwe-nxt-changes-logo-returns-to-black-and-gold-color-scheme |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results |date=September 13, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914025351/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/wwe-nxt-changes-logo-returns-to-black-and-gold-color-scheme |url-status=live }}
= Move to The CW (2024–present)=
On November 7, 2023, WWE announced that NXT would move to The CW in October 2024 under a five-year deal.{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=2023-11-07 |title='WWE NXT' Moving to The CW From USA in 2024 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wwe-nxt-leaving-usa-for-the-cw-1235638788/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107221756/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wwe-nxt-leaving-usa-for-the-cw-1235638788/ |url-status=live }} The network had previously broadcast SmackDown (as a carry-over from its co-predecessor, UPN), as well as the short-lived Saturday Morning Slam (as part of the Saban Brands-produced Saturday morning block Vortexx).{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Meg |date=9 August 2012 |title=Haim Saban to unveil Saturday kids' shows, including WWE program |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-aug-09-la-fi-ct-saban-kids-tv-20120809-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107113818/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-aug-09-la-fi-ct-saban-kids-tv-20120809-story.html |archive-date=7 November 2020 |access-date=15 April 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Meg |date=9 August 2012 |title=Haim Saban to unveil Saturday kids' shows, including WWE program |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-aug-09-la-fi-ct-saban-kids-tv-20120809-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107113818/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-aug-09-la-fi-ct-saban-kids-tv-20120809-story.html |archive-date=7 November 2020 |access-date=15 April 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |quote=The half-hour show, which debuts Aug. 25, marks the return of WWE to Saturday morning children’s television after an 11-year absence.}}
NXT premiered on The CW October 1, 2024; as part of the launch, the program scheduled two weeks of travel shows while the Performance Center studio was redesigned,{{Cite web |date=2024-09-28 |title=WWE Performance Center Set To Undergo Changes |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-performance-center-changes/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=411Mania |language=en-US}} with the season premiere from Allstate Arena in Rosemont, followed by Enterprise Center in St. Louis the following week. However, the St. Louis show was later moved to a smaller venue—The Factory at The District—in the suburb of Chesterfield, Missouri.{{Cite web |last=Wannan |first=Jack |date=2024-08-06 |title=NXT announces arena shows in Chicago and St. Louis for CW channel premiere month |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/08/06/nxt-announces-arena-shows-in-chicago-and-st-louis-for-cw-channel-premiere-month/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=POST Wrestling |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=2024-09-14 |title=NXT St. Louis show on 10/8 relocates to Chesterfield, Missouri |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/09/13/nxt-st-louis-show-on-10-8-relocates-to-chesterfield-missouri/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=POST Wrestling |language=en-US}}
On October 21, 2024, WWE announced that it would broadcast NXT 2300 from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia (the former home arena of ECW) on November 6, a special Wednesday night broadcast due to The CW simulcasting corporate sibling NewsNation's coverage of the 2024 United States presidential election the previous day.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=2024-10-22 |title=NewsNation To Present Special Election Coverage |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/newsnation-to-present-special-election-coverage/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=TV News Check |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Axelrod |first=Ben |date=2024-10-21 |title='WWE NXT' to host show at historic ECW Arena on Nov. 6 |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/wwe/nxt-ecw-arena-nov-6.html |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Awful Announcing |language=en-US}}
Special episodes
{{main|List of WWE NXT special episodes}}
Roster
{{Main|List of WWE personnel}}
The wrestlers featured on WWE take part in scripted feuds and storylines. Wrestlers are portrayed as heroes, villains, or less distinguishable characters in scripted events that build tension and culminate in a wrestling match.
The primary commentators for NXT are Vic Joseph, Corey Graves and Booker T. Additional commentary has been provided by Michael Cole, Jim Ross, Tony Dawson, Tom Phillips, Rich Brennan, Mauro Ranallo and others since its creation.
Production
In its original incarnation, the American Bang song "Wild and Young" had been used for each season with the exception of the third.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wwenxt/2010/february8-14/13491168|title=WWE NXT: "Wild & Young" by American Bang is the official theme song of WWE NXT|access-date=February 12, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=October 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026075910/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wwenxt/2010/february8-14/13491168|url-status=live}} During season three, the show's opening theme song was "You Make the Rain Fall" by Kevin Rudolf.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wwenxt/2010/september15-21/15724330|title=WWE NXT: "You Make the Rain Fall" by Kevin Rudolf is the official theme song for WWE NXT|access-date=September 18, 2010|publisher=WWE|archive-date=September 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923132440/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wwenxt/2010/september15-21/15724330|url-status=live}}{{cite episode|title=WWE NXT|series=NXT|airdate=September 7, 2010|network=Syfy|season=3|number=1}} "Get Thru This" by Art of Dying was also used as bumper music during the initial five seasons of the show.{{cite episode|title=WWE NXT|series=NXT|airdate=May 4, 2010|network=Syfy|season=1|number=11}} NXT, as a game show, were held in large arenas as a part of the taping schedules of WWE's other shows which featured the ring ropes yellow and used the same HD set used by WWE's other weekly programs.
Upon its reboot and arrival at Full Sail University, "Welcome Home" by Coheed and Cambria was used from the show's relaunch on June 20, 2012, to February 24, 2014, but it retains the yellow ropes and used the black mat. "Roar of the Crowd" by CFO$ served as the official theme song for NXT since its arrival to the WWE Network from (February 27, 2014) to April 5, 2017. A remix of the same song was used starting on June 15, 2016. From April 12, 2017, the theme song was "Rage" by CFO$, followed by "Resistance" by Powerflo; which was first used on the May 31, 2017 episode.
On the April 4, 2019 episode, "All Out Life" by Slipknot was used as the new theme song.
From April 13, 2021, to September 7, 2021, the official theme song for NXT was "Say Cheese" by Poppy, first performed at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
When NXT was relaunched as NXT 2.0 on September 14, 2021, the official theme song was "Down South" by Wale featuring Yella Beezy & Maxo Kream. The new set features multicolored LED screens with an arch. The ring mat turned white and the ring ropes became white before turning blue and the announce table was repositioned. After NXT 2.0 was reverted to NXT, the ring ropes were reverted to white and the logo became white with black and gold accents in October 2022.
From October 1, 2024 episode, the new official theme song is "Millions From Now" by 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne.
Broadcast history
class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%"
|+ !Channel !Timeslot !Years | |
rowspan=2|Syfy
|Tuesday 10–11 p.m. ET | February 23, 2010 – September 28, 2010 |
Tuesday 8–10 p.m. ET | February 8, 2022 – February 15, 2022 |
rowspan=2| USA
|Wednesday 8–10 p.m. ET | September 18, 2019 – April 7, 2021 |
Tuesday 8–10 p.m. ET | April 13, 2021 – September 24, 2024 |
The CW
|Tuesday 8-10 p.m ET{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2024-05-16 |title=CW Fall 2024 Schedule: 'Walker,' 'All American' in Limbo as Network Preps to Launch 'NXT,' 'Librarians: The Next Chapter' |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/cw-fall-2024-schedule-walker-all-american-nxt-librarians-the-next-chapter-1236005677/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} |October 1, 2024 – present |
=International broadcasts=
==Canada==
NXT currently broadcasts live in Canada on Netflix, alongside Raw and SmackDown. Initially, the show aired on Global Television Network taking the old slot of ECW. In July 2010, the series moved to The Score (renamed to Sportsnet 360 in 2013).{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/14599-wwe-nxt-moving-to-the-score-in-canada/ | title=WWE NXT moving to the Score in Canada | date=June 7, 2010 }}
In February 2021, NXT began to broadcast live on Wednesday aligning with USA Network schedule. This continued when NXT returned to Tuesday nights in April 2021.{{cite web | url=https://about.rogers.com/news-ideas/sportsnet-and-wwe-expand-programming-agreement-to-include-nxt-live-broadcasts-starting-this-wednesday/ | title=Sportsnet and WWE Expand Programming Agreement to Include NXT Live Broadcasts, Starting This Wednesday | date=February 22, 2021 }}
All archived broadcasts of NXT were available on the WWE Network until its closure in December 2024. Since January 1, 2025, WWE’s Canadian broadcast rights are held by Netflix. Select archived episodes are available for streaming on Netflix under the title NXT Vault, with live broadcasts beginning on January 7.
Although Netflix is the current rights holder in Canada, NXT is still available on linear television, as The CW is widely carried by Canadian television providers.
==[[Netflix|Elsewhere]]==
WWE NXT is currently broadcast in the United Kingdom on Netflix alongside Raw and Smackdown.{{Cite news |title=Your Ultimate Guide to Watching WWE on Netflix |url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/how-to-watch-wwe-on-netflix |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241229135717/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/how-to-watch-wwe-on-netflix |archive-date=2024-12-29 |access-date=2024-12-31 |work=Netflix Tudum |language=en}}
In South Africa, WWE NXT airs live on SuperSport on Wednesdays.{{Cite web |date=2 November 2022 |title=WWE, MultiChoice expand and extend partnership |url=https://supersport.com/wwe/general/news/01b58961-77e5-4af1-ae7c-81f49f958054/wwe-multichoice-expand-and-extend-partnership }}
In the Arab world, NXT episodes are added on Shahid streaming platform a day after the live broadcast on The CW.{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/03-23-2022|title=WWE & MBC Group Announce Major Broadcast Partnership in Middle East & North Africa|access-date=2022-03-23|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326000240/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/03-23-2022|url-status=live}}
In New Zealand, a one-hour version of NXT is broadcast on Sky 5 and Sky Open.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-sky-new-zealand-extend-partnership|title=WWE and SKY extend long-standing partnership in New Zealand|author=WWE|date=17 December 2018|access-date=28 December 2018|archive-date=December 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228035153/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-sky-new-zealand-extend-partnership|url-status=live}}
In Germany, ProSieben Maxx started broadcasting NXT episodes on Thursdays after WrestleMania 39. They also air Raw on Wednesdays and SmackDown on Saturdays.{{cite web|url=https://www.prosiebenmaxx.de/tv/wwe-nxt/neue-show-nxt-on-air-prosieben-maxx-baut-die-zusammenarbeit-mit-wwe-aus|title=WWE on Pro7 Maxx|date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023|archive-date=October 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011010448/https://www.prosiebenmaxx.de/tv/wwe-nxt/neue-show-nxt-on-air-prosieben-maxx-baut-die-zusammenarbeit-mit-wwe-aus|url-status=live}}
See also
{{Portal|Television}}
- WWE Performance Center, WWE's training facility, which is close to Full Sail University.
- List of professional wrestling television series
References
{{reflist|30em}}
Notes
{{reflist|group=note}}
{{reflist|group=nb|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category|WWE NXT}}
- {{Official website|http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt}}
- {{IMDb title|1601141|WWE NXT}}
{{WWE}}
{{WWE NXT events}}
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