While AEW Dynamite recently marked its six-year anniversary, WWE’s NXT has quietly asserted dominance in the weekly television ratings battle, outperforming its Wednesday night competitor in 48 out of the last 52 weeks. This ongoing trend underscores NXT’s growing momentum and AEW’s current challenges in maintaining its viewership.
NXT’s Steady Rise Amid AEW’s Recent Struggles
The most recent Nielsen ratings reflect a significant divergence between the two shows. On September 2, 2025, WWE NXT attracted 655,000 viewers with a key 18-49 demographic rating of 0.14, representing a rise from previous weeks and securing an eighth-place finish among broadcast and cable programming for the night[1]. In contrast, AEW Dynamite, airing the following day on September 3, dropped to a record low viewership of 472,000 and a 0.11 rating in the coveted 18-49 demo[1][4]. This was not only a major decline from its August 27 episode, which drew 585,000 viewers, but also marks Dynamite’s lowest-ever non-preempted audience.
The decline for Dynamite is particularly striking given AEW’s public optimism. Tony Khan has expressed that AEW is experiencing one of its “best years ever,” citing creative strides and expanded fan engagement. However, the stark TV ratings figures present a more complicated picture, emphasizing the reality of the ongoing battle for wrestling viewers on Wednesday nights[ref].
Historical Context: The Legacy of the Wednesday Night Wars
The current ratings landscape is reminiscent of the previous “Wednesday Night Wars” from 2019, when AEW Dynamite debuted on TNT and WWE’s NXT counter-programmed on the USA Network. Initially, Dynamite enjoyed a strong lead, averaging over 1.4 million viewers at launch compared to NXT’s 891,000[5]. Yet the competition quickly intensified, with NXT capitalizing on WWE’s brand power and storytelling to capture the top ratings spot in several weeks during late 2019.
This rivalry laid the groundwork for what has become a long-term tug of war for wrestling audience dominance every Wednesday evening. WWE’s NXT brand, once viewed primarily as a developmental platform, has evolved to be a formidable competitor, particularly with its move to The CW and strategic programming boosts[1]. AEW, meanwhile, has sustained a passionate but fluctuating fanbase amid shifting media landscapes and increased sports entertainment options.
Behind the Scenes: WWE’s Confidence and AEW’s Challenges
Sources close to WWE suggest that backstage confidence in NXT’s upward trajectory is high. A WWE insider remarked, “We see this as a validation of the product’s direction. Fans are responding to the fresh talent and the compelling storylines. It’s not just about beating AEW anymore; it’s about solidifying NXT as the must-watch show on Wednesday nights.”
Conversely, AEW officials reportedly acknowledge the challenges but remain upbeat about their growth strategy beyond traditional TV ratings. A source familiar with AEW’s programming told us, “While the numbers dip, especially in TV viewership, the brand is growing in digital engagement and live event attendance. Dynamite’s six-year mark is a testament to its resilience, even if the ratings aren’t where we’d like them.”
What’s Driving NXT’s Ratings Success?
Several factors contribute to NXT’s rebound and sustained lead in the ratings race:
Network and Scheduling: NXT’s slot on The CW has broadened its accessibility among younger viewers, who are a critical demographic for advertisers[1].
Content and Talent Development: NXT’s roster features a mix of homegrown stars and veteran performers offering high-quality wrestling and storylines that resonate with passionate fans.
Digital Engagement: Popular segments and matches, such as confrontations involving top NXT stars like Johnny Gargano and Jordynne Grace, have garnered significant views on platforms like YouTube, bolstering overall fan interest[1].
AEW’s Road Ahead
While AEW Dynamite experiences setbacks in linear TV ratings, the promotion’s broader ecosystem remains robust. The company leans heavily on pay-per-view events, streaming services, and social media platforms to engage its audience and generate revenue. However, the recent record low TV numbers have spurred internal discussions about programming adjustments and marketing efforts to recapture lost viewers.
Industry observers note that AEW’s challenge is not just to stabilize ratings but to innovate in how wrestling content is delivered in an era where audience attention is fragmented across multiple platforms.
In summary, WWE NXT’s consistent rating wins — topping AEW Dynamite in 48 of the last 52 weeks — underscore a significant shift in the wrestling television landscape. While AEW celebrates six years and continues to build its fanbase, WWE’s NXT shows that strategic content, network positioning, and talent development remain critical to success on the Wednesday night stage. With both companies continuing to evolve, the wrestling fanbase can expect this rivalry to remain a key storyline both inside and outside the ring.