WWE NXT Boosts CW Ratings 19% Amid Expanding Programming

WWE has made significant strategic moves in 2024 and 2025, highlighted by the successful migration of NXT to The CW, which has boosted the network's ratings notably, with the show outperforming Fox on Tuesday nights and helping increase The CW's overall viewership by 40 percent. WWE is expanding its media presence through shorter, high-impact Premium Live Events (PLEs), as confirmed by TKO Group Holdings' Mark Shapiro, who emphasized maintaining fan engagement while protecting the brand's mystique, especially in light of the upcoming Netflix docuseries WWE: Unreal. Anticipation is building around major upcoming WWE events, including the 16th annual Money in the Bank Premium Live Event in June 2024 featuring John Cena's advertised final appearance, and the historic two-night SummerSlam 2025, with a rumored six-man tag team match headlining the second night and John Cena and The Rock expected to cross paths. Additionally, WWE is reportedly planning to hold its annual Draft in late May 2025 during a packed Memorial Day weekend in Tampa, Florida, aiming to refresh storylines and talent distribution following WrestleMania 41 and Backlash. WWE and The CW continue to explore deeper collaboration, integrating NXT talent into other programming, reflecting a positive and expanding partnership. These developments illustrate WWE's adaptive approach to evolving viewer habits and media landscapes while sustaining its legacy events and expanding its reach.