Below are a couple of top WWE & AEW news stories of the day.
• The ratings battle between WWE NXT and AEW Dynamite: Title Tuesday for this week, has delivered a clear result, with NXT coming out on top.
The two shows only directly competed for an hour, as NXT’s second hour went head-to-head with Dynamite’s first at 9 PM EST. However, the landscape has significantly shifted since AEW consistently outperformed NXT from 2019 to 2021. NXT is now airing on The CW, a broadcast channel, and WWE’s overall product has seen a surge in popularity, while AEW’s momentum has cooled.
NXT drew 874,000 viewers with a 0.24 rating in the 18-49 demo, which is slightly down from last week’s 895,000 viewers with a 0.26 rating.
In stark contrast, AEW Dynamite posted its worst ratings ever. The show was moved from its regular Wednesday night slot due to TBS airing baseball playoffs, resulting in a later start time. This shift led to a significant drop, with Dynamite drawing just 329,000 viewers and scoring a 0.10 rating in the 18-49 demo, which is down from last week’s 680,000 viewers with a 0.20 rating.
MUST SEE: Randy Orton’s Perfect RKO Moment Got Botched On This Week’s NXT:
• WWE surprised fans with The Rock’s unexpected return at the end of the WWE Bad Blood 2024 Premium Live Event. Following this, rumors have surfaced regarding potential plans for The Rock at WrestleMania 41.
After Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes defeated Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in the main event, The Rock appeared without speaking, exchanging intense glances with both Rhodes and Reigns. This has sparked speculation about his future role in WWE.
The Rock has now posted the following on Instagram about his return:
“The show ain’t over, until the Final Boss says it’s over.
There’s no business like show business, and there’s no connection stronger and more electrifying than that of the people and the people’s champ.
You can FEEL the MANA.
FINAL BOSS. ENGAGED.
See ya down the road.”