One Big Thing
NXT’s New Year’s Evil replay will air Saturday on CW from 8-10 p.m., going directly against AEW Collision due to Los Angeles wildfire coverage disrupting the usual broadcast schedule.
Why It Matters
This unexpected scheduling puts two major wrestling shows in direct competition, potentially affecting viewership numbers and continuing the evolving competitive dynamic between WWE and AEW.
By The Numbers
- NXT New Year’s Evil’s live airing drew 957,000 viewers
- This marked NXT’s highest viewership since 2019
- The show will air in the prime 8-10 p.m. slot on Saturday
The Details
- KTLA’s wildfire coverage in Los Angeles prevented the normal NXT broadcast
- A Wednesday makeup broadcast was also canceled due to ongoing fire coverage
- The Rock’s appearance on the show may have influenced the decision for a Saturday replay
- The scheduling change was primarily driven by the Los Angeles broadcast delay
Behind The Numbers
The strong viewership for the live New Year’s Evil broadcast suggests significant fan interest, but replay numbers typically draw lower audiences. This creates an interesting ratings battle with AEW Collision, which regularly occupies the Saturday night slot.
Looking Ahead
This temporary schedule change adds another chapter to the WWE-AEW competition story. The ratings outcome could influence future programming decisions for both companies.
The Bottom Line
While unplanned, this head-to-head booking creates an interesting test case for Saturday night wrestling viewership preferences.
How do you think this unexpected scheduling clash will affect viewership numbers for both shows? Share your predictions in the comments below.
