A Chaotic Episode Leaves Fans and Viewers Aghast
The January 20, 2026 episode of WWE NXT delivered a night of unpredictable action, but unfortunately, it came at the cost of a significant decrease in viewership. According to Nielsen Media Research, the show drew 533,000 viewers, a decline of around 10% from the previous week’s episode. This downturn raises questions about the long-term viability of NXT’s current format and the potential impact of its high-profile storylines.
A Night of Unpredictability
The January 20 episode of NXT was marked by a series of intense matches and unexpected twists. The main event saw the NXT Title qualifiers descend into chaos as Tony D’Angelo, one of the competitors, was taken into custody by WWE security after he became increasingly agitated and violent. The scene was tense, with the other competitors standing by, unsure of how to react.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said a WWE insider, who wished to remain anonymous. “Tony was clearly unhinged, and it was a miracle no one was seriously hurt. The whole thing was just bizarre.”
The incident overshadowed the other matches on the card, including a thrilling showdown between Bronson Matthews and Thea Hail. Matthews emerged victorious, but the win was largely overshadowed by the drama that unfolded in the main event.
The Arrest of Tony D’Angelo: A Turning Point?
D’Angelo’s arrest has sent shockwaves throughout the NXT locker room, with many of his fellow competitors expressing concern for his well-being. However, others are questioning whether this latest development will have a lasting impact on the show’s overall direction.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” said a source close to WWE management. “On one hand, the drama and unpredictability of Tony’s arrest are exactly what WWE is looking for in terms of ratings. On the other hand, it’s unclear how this will affect the show’s overall momentum and storyline development going forward.”
NXT’s Viewership Woes Continue
The viewership drop is the latest in a series of concerning trends for NXT. The show has struggled to maintain its viewership numbers over the past year, and many are beginning to question whether the current format is sustainable.
“NXT needs to find a way to balance its creative ambitions with the need for consistent storytelling and character development,” said a wrestling industry expert. “The show has a rich history and a loyal fan base, but it needs to find a way to tap into that loyalty and build momentum going forward.”
What’s Next for NXT?
As the dust settles on the January 20 episode, WWE is left to ponder what’s next for NXT. Will the show continue to push the boundaries of its storytelling, or will it opt for a more traditional approach? One thing is certain: the drama and unpredictability of Tony D’Angelo’s arrest have set the stage for a wild and unpredictable ride.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how they choose to follow up on this,” said the WWE insider. “Will they try to capitalize on the drama, or will they try to tone things down? Either way, it’s going to be a wild ride.”