Folks, big changes are coming to the world of professional wrestling—HUGE changes, folks. WWE’s beloved, but sometimes neglected, stepchild, NXT, is leaving USA Network behind, much like a college grad finally moving out of their parents’ basement. Where’s it going, you ask? The CW. Yes, that CW—home to moody teens, melodrama, and now, top-tier suplexes. October 1 is the day NXT spreads its wings and hits the CW, and let me tell you, they’re pulling out all the stops to make it look less like “developmental” and more like the main event.
According to our good pal Dave Meltzer, whose wrestling insights are so sharp they can cut through a steel cage, WWE is going for the jugular on this one. How? Well, let’s just say they really want to break that million-viewer mark, probably because a show only feels big-time if it has more zeroes in its audience than in its catering budget.
How Are They Making It Bigger?
You ever hear about a little arena called the Allstate Arena in Chicago? Yep, WWE NXT is graduating from its cozy WWE Performance Center and going live in Chi-town for its CW debut. Not exactly Madison Square Garden, but hey, it’s a step up from “Warehouse Rumble in Orlando.” And who’s coming along for the ride? Oh, just CM Punk, folks. Yep, the man, the myth, the magnet for controversy. Punk’s set to appear, leaving many to wonder, “Is he going to wrestle? Or just drop one of those delicious pipe bombs?” We’ll have to tune in to find out, but either way, he’s bound to cause more buzz than a beehive in summer.
But Wait, There’s More!
Apparently, WWE is in the mood to sprinkle some main roster fairy dust all over this thing. The Miz, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill are expected to pop in, reminding us all that even “developmental” wrestling needs a little A-list flavor. And if you’re wondering about long-term plans, we got Randy Orton making a homecoming on the October 8 episode of NXT in St. Louis. That’s right, Randy’s coming home, folks! It’s basically going to be like your cousin coming back for Thanksgiving, except with more RKO’s and fewer awkward political arguments.
But if you’re thinking this will be the new normal, pump the brakes, folks. After these two arena shows, it’s back to Orlando, where NXT can quietly resume its “Hey, we’re just here to learn!” vibe. Because let’s face it, even the brightest stars need a little rest back at the Performance Center after too much time in the limelight.
Final Thoughts?
WWE is ready to make NXT the show to watch—well, maybe not the show, but definitely a show. And with CM Punk, Miz, and Bianca in the mix, you’d better believe they’ll be shaking things up. The CW better get ready for a bumpy ride, folks. October 1 is going to be must-see TV. Or at least, “Oh look, wrestling on The CW!” TV.