Behind The Scenes: How WWE NXT’s ECW Tribute Show Came Together And Dominated Ratings

One Big Thing

WWE NXT’s surprise ECW-themed show at the iconic 2300 Arena (former ECW Arena) on November 6 wasn’t just a nostalgic success – it was a strategic ratings win that nobody’s taking credit for orchestrating.

By The Numbers

• 619,000 viewers tuned in to NXT (5% increase from previous week)
• AEW Dynamite drew 523,000 viewers in head-to-head competition
• Multiple ECW legends appeared including The Dudley Boyz, Rob Van Dam, Rhino, and others

Why It Matters

This successful nostalgia play demonstrates WWE’s ability to leverage its history while showcasing new talent, potentially creating a new annual tradition that could help NXT maintain competitive edge in the Wednesday night ratings battle.

Behind The Curtain

• Show was planned in advance but not originally set for November 6
• Decision to air against AEW was deliberate, moving to avoid 2024 Presidential Election coverage
• No single person has claimed credit for organizing the special event
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports plans may exist for annual ECW-themed shows

The Bigger Picture

The success of this event suggests WWE has found a winning formula combining nostalgia with modern talent development. While future shows at the 2300 Arena aren’t guaranteed, the positive reception and ratings boost make similar events likely.

What did you think about NXT’s ECW tribute show? Did it hit the right balance between nostalgia and showcasing current talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!