The October 28, 2025, episode of WWE NXT delivered intense in-ring action and dramatic storyline developments, culminating in a notable moment where Sol Ruca forfeited the prestigious Speed Championship. The show also experienced a slight increase in viewership on The CW Network, signaling steady interest as NXT continues to build momentum within WWE’s developmental brand.
Viewership on the Rise: Slight Bump to 527,000
According to data from Programming Insider, WWE NXT averaged 527,000 viewers on October 28, a modest increase from the previous week’s 525,000 viewership mark[2]. Though the growth may seem marginal, it reflects a positive trend for the brand, especially considering the competitive landscape of Tuesday night television. This uptick suggests that ongoing storylines and the promise of fresh talent continue to engage fans.
Sources close to WWE indicate that the company is pleased with this consistent performance amid stiff competition from other networks and live sports broadcasts. In a backstage conversation, a WWE insider commented, “Maintaining and slightly increasing viewership on The CW in such a crowded time slot shows that NXT’s product is resonating with core wrestling fans and casual viewers alike.”
A Night of High Drama: Sol Ruca’s Forfeit Shocks Fans
The night’s defining moment came when Sol Ruca unexpectedly forfeited the Speed Championship, creating instant shockwaves throughout the NXT roster and fanbase. While details remain somewhat under wraps, insiders suggest that the decision was a storyline-driven choice by NXT management to shake up the title picture and set the stage for new rivalries in the coming weeks.
The Speed Championship has always been a spotlight for fast-paced, high-flying performers, making Sol Ruca’s exit from the championship scene headline news. Speculation now centers on who will rise to claim the vacant title, especially after the ongoing Speed Tournament has produced several standout contenders this season.
The Capitol Wrestling Center Pulsates with Action
The October 28 episode, broadcast live from the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida, was punctuated by a series of high-stakes matches and confrontations. The show closed with an intense brawl involving Trick Williams and Ricky Saints, a feud that has gained traction over recent weeks and promises to heat up dramatically.
In addition to this chaotic finish, the episode featured:
The Speed Tournament Final between rising stars Axiom and Jasper Troy, showcasing WWE’s commitment to spotlighting emerging talent.
Other key matches with vibrant storytelling to build towards upcoming events in NXT and potentially the main WWE roster.
These elements contributed to the show’s positive reception both in the arena and among viewers at home.
Strategic Moves and Fan Engagement
Industry watchers note that WWE’s NXT continues to refine its formula of mixing emerging talent with compelling storytelling. By having Sol Ruca step away from the Speed Championship voluntarily, creative has introduced fresh unpredictability that fuels anticipation.
An NXT creative team member, speaking under anonymity, noted, “NXT thrives on surprise and momentum. Sol Ruca’s decision is less about stepping back and more about opening doors for new champions to emerge quickly, keeping the division dynamic and interesting.”
This approach aligns with WWE’s broader strategy of grooming future stars in NXT while maintaining weekly relevance. The slight increases in ratings suggest fans are responding well to these storytelling pivots.
Competition and Context: NXT vs. The Field
It’s important to frame NXT’s performance within the wider television ecosystem. On the same night, ESPN’s World Series Game 4 drew a commanding 3.05 rating with over 3 million viewers, dominating the 8 PM time slot[3][4]. Against this backdrop, NXT’s consistent viewership demonstrates resilience given the challenges posed by major live sports programming.
While WWE’s other programming, including AEW’s Collision, faces similar hurdles, NXT’s stable numbers imply loyalty among niche wrestling fans committed to developmental talent and innovative storylines.
What’s Next for NXT and Its Champions?
Looking ahead, WWE NXT’s Speed Championship vacancy paves the way for new talent to ascend. The ongoing Speed Tournament Final, featuring Axiom and Jasper Troy, sets up a clear path toward crowning the next champion.
Fans should also keep an eye on the escalating rivalry between Trick Williams and Ricky Saints, which promises further explosive interactions on future NXT broadcasts.
Sources familiar with backstage planning suggest WWE is aiming to capitalize on this momentum to boost storylines leading to NXT’s next major event, continuing to build audience engagement through quality matches and character development.