WWE NXT Sees Major Ratings Jump, Tops Cable Competition
WWE NXT’s “Showdown” special on October 7, 2025, delivered a standout ratings performance, drawing 625,000 viewers on the CW Network—a notable 9.3% increase over the previous week’s audience of 572,000[2]. The show also posted a 0.12 rating in the key P18–49 demographic, up 20% from the prior episode’s 0.10[2]. This marked one of NXT’s strongest nights on broadcast television in recent memory, especially in direct competition with AEW Dynamite’s “Title Tuesday,” which drew 321,000 viewers and a 0.07 demo rating[1].
A WWE insider revealed to WrestlingInc that the company was “exceptionally pleased with the uptick in both total viewers and the demographic breakdown, especially against a loaded night of competition across the industry.” The insider added, “This is the kind of momentum NXT has been aiming for as it settles into its new broadcast home.”
Why Did WWE NXT’s Ratings Spike?
The episode was a rare “Showdown” event, not just the standard weekly offering. WWE booked a stacked card, headlined by the Hardy Boyz winning the NXT Tag Team Championships from DarkStata. The victory was a months-long payoff for Matt and Jeff Hardy’s return to impact wrestling, and the YouTube clip of their triumphant moment quickly became one of WWE’s most-watched NXT videos, garnering over 600,000 views within a day[1].
In addition to the Hardys’ victory, the show featured a major interpromotional Survivor Series–style match: Team TNA defeated Team NXT in dominant fashion, offering a fresh cross-promotional angle that clearly resonated with viewers[2]. The show was promoted across WWE’s social channels as a can’t-miss special, and the investment paid off with a broader viewership base.
Key Viewership Data at a Glance
| Date | Total Viewers | 18–49 Demo Rating | % Change (Viewers) | % Change (Demo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2025 | 572,000 | 0.10 |