Grab your popcorn and your folding chairs, folks, because WWE’s NXT is trading up from the USA Network to The CW, and it’s going to be bigger than my hair in the ‘80s. This high-stakes wrestling soap opera is moving to a new neighborhood starting October 1st, and it’s packing its bags for a major arena, not just any sweaty gym in Orlando.
The word on the street from PWInsider Elite is that WWE is pulling out all the stops for this debut episode. It’s being hyped up like an “NXT” Takeover – you know, those legendary events that made us all believe in fairy tales and body slams again. The CW better brace itself for a hurricane of spandex and drama.
And where might this spectacle unfold? Chicago is leading the race, mainly because it’s Nexstar Media Group’s backyard. Yeah, the same Nexstar that owns The CW and confirmed the deal. It’s like inviting your new boss over for dinner and hoping they love your cooking. But, remember, nothing’s set in stone, and the final venue could change faster than a wrestler’s heel turn.
Interestingly, this whole shift is part of WWE’s grand reshuffle. “SmackDown” is moving from Fox to USA Network, but USA Network and its big brother NBCU couldn’t outbid Netflix for “WWE Raw.” So now, “Raw” is Netflix’s new shiny toy, and “NXT” lands on The CW.
As for special themes or premium live events in October? Don’t hold your breath, wrestling fans. WWE is keeping its cards close to its chest.