Let the Wednesday Night Wars begin.
WWE has officially announced that NXT will be switching to a live, two-hour weekly show airing on the USA Network starting Wednesday, September 18. NXT, which is the last stop for WWE superstars before they make the leap to Raw or SmackDown, has aired exclusively as a one-hour show on the WWE Network since 2014.
[penci_blockquote style=”style-2″ align=”none” author=”” uppercase=”false”]“The move to USA Network provides an opportunity to deepen our relationship with NBCUniversal and further build the NXT brand,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “Over the long term, our goal is to develop a following that can be monetized to the same level as our flagship programs, Raw and SmackDown.”[/penci_blockquote]
In taking the Wednesday night slot, NXT will compete against All Elite Wrestling’s weekly TNT program slated to debut on October 2. Both shows will run from 8-10pm ET, reminiscent of how WWE and WCW clashed during the “Monday Night Wars” of the ’90s.
To quote former WWE champion and current AEW superstar, Chris Jericho:Â “Gonna be fun to see which team the world decides to join!”
BREAKING: Starting Sept. 18, @WWENXT will air LIVE as a two-hour weekly show every Wednesday on @USA_Network! https://t.co/Jk2crhv0Nx
— WWE (@WWE) August 20, 2019
WWE legend Triple H runs the show for NXT, and he was among the many superstars who took to social media on Tuesday after the USA deal was announced.
[penci_blockquote style=”style-2″ align=”none” author=””]”Can’t describe this announcement in any other word than PROUD. Proud of everyone involved from day one. Proud you’ve let your voice be heard and carried the banner of this brand. Proud you’ve loudly & clearly said #WeAreNXT. And I’m proud to say, we’re just getting started.”[/penci_blockquote]
Check out the reactions from other wrestling superstars past and present in the tweets embedded below.
Thrilled everyday to see the progression in these Superstars. Now we get to tear the house down every Wednesday night on @USA_Network. #WeAreNXT https://t.co/PM2xahzpWE
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) August 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/1163817129759522820
A long step away from “developmental system down in Florida.” From the first #NXTArRIVAL on @WWENetwork to a weekly television show on @USA_Network. Congratulations to @WWE and @WWENXT! https://t.co/zJNt5FANBI
— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 20, 2019
NXT helped a lot of us to get the spotlight—now is its time to shine. https://t.co/GaihMpwXUs
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) August 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/WWERollins/status/1163828562878554113
A lot of time has been spent in the trenches with the men and women I was in @WWENXT with. From armories to the main event of #WrestleMania, we’ve come along way. And we’ll always be @WWENXT. #WeAreNXT https://t.co/XurUzTyLRL
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) August 20, 2019
Huge news for the crew @WWENXT and @TripleH. Congrats to all. https://t.co/TmLW3cEnni
— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) August 20, 2019
My time in @WWENXT was so important. Glitter, glitz, sparkle, #Blissed. This is so exciting for everyone @WWE! @usa_network https://t.co/CaUtPQmoLC
— Lexi Kaufman (@AlexaBliss_WWE) August 20, 2019
I still remember us shooting the pilot episode from Full Sail. We were really unsure of what @WWENXT would become. It’s been incredible to see absurdly talented men & women make this one of the strongest brands in our industry. https://t.co/IgmD73VgyZ
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) August 20, 2019
I came to @WWE as @WWENXT. I wanted to spread a message of art through wrestling. Very excited for all. @usa_network pic.twitter.com/ijXJtLhbCK
— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) August 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/AdamColePro/status/1163838806640005121/photo/1
Congrats to @WWENXT for making the big move to the @USA_Network! Runners always race faster when somebody is right behind them. Gonna be fun to see which team the world decides to join! #ChooseJericho @AEWrestling @AEWonTNT
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) August 20, 2019
