In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscribe here), Dave Meltzer provided some really interesting news about the future of NXT.
According to Meltzer, NXT is tentatively planned to move to Fox Sports 1. Not only that, the show is likely to move to 2-hours, which will counter AEW’s upcoming show on TNT.
Here is what Meltzer wrote:
While not announced, the NXT on FS 1 is tentatively set for 8-10 p.m. on Wednesday nights. For obvious reasons, that was the time slot expected but this was the first info we were given listing a time slot. Of course it wasn’t going to be finalized until TNT announced the time slot. Not sure when this starts or how Big East basketball on FS 1 affects this, or what this means for NXT on WWE Network, or what the start date will be. It’s not official until the announcement is made but this has been expected and as noted a few weeks ago, it’s far enough along that FOX told some affiliates already.
Meltzer added that WWE will likely use a lot of main roster talent to help fill out NXT. The show also might end up being live, instead of taped:
The working idea is for a live two hour show with the feeling that a taped show will not work to head-off AEW. Where WWE feels they have the edge is they have an endless supply of main roster talent they can shuffle in whenever they want them. Whether this goes from Full Sail, which may get tough with shows weekly to keep crowd enthusiasm up int the same venue (although they’ll be using more main roster guys and the Full Sail crowd pops big for those every time out) or they tape it and tour with it is unknown. But we were told this was largely agreed to in late June. or early July.
My Take: This would be pretty wild if it turns out to be true. I am definitely worried about the quality of NXT if it moves to 2-hours and Vince McMahon gets his hands more involved. Still, it is definitely an exciting time to be a wrestling fan.
Let me know what you think in the comment section below or on Twitter.
In other news, check out our Wrestlemania 38 predictions.
On a related note, check out my predictions for every match at NXT Takeover: Toronto.