WWE NXT managed to hold its ground on April 22, drawing nearly 700,000 viewers on The CW despite going head-to-head with major NBA and NHL playoff broadcasts. The post–Stand & Deliver fallout episode gained in both total audience and key demo performance, suggesting momentum for WWE ’s developmental brand remains steady—even amid stiff sports competition.
Heavyweight competition: NBA and NHL own the night
For all its success, NXT had tough primetime competition. The NBA playoffs dominated the evening, with TNT's Memphis-Oklahoma City contest reaching 1.92 million viewers and a commanding 0.60 demo rating. The game also appeared on TruTV, adding 336,000 viewers and tying NXT's 0.17 demo rating.
Over on ESPN, Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators during the NHL playoffs received 603,000 viewers with a 0.18 demo, which was 10th for the night. On ESPN2 (demo 0.14), 427,000 additional viewers tuned in. Playoff hockey was a draw.
According to programming information from Programming Insider, April 22 WWE NXT received 686,000 viewers—a 3.5% boost over the previous week's 663,000. In the key 18–49 demographic, the program registered a 0.17 rating, a huge gain from the previous week's 0.14, a 21% demo performance improvement.
Fallout show brings boost, but more challenges ahead
Following on the heels of Stand & Deliver and starring talent that was recently highlighted on WrestleMania and Raw, perhaps there were higher expectations for this episode. Nevertheless, the spectre of NBA and NHL playoff action—much of which stretches deep into May—means sustained pressure on Tuesday night ratings for NXT. Whether or not the brand can sustain or add to this viewership base remains to be determined.
Associated NHL First-Round Matchups (April 24):
Prominent Series:
Washington Capitals (M1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (WC2): Caps lead 2–0
Game 3: Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET (TNT/truTV/Max)
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV/Max)
Heavyweight competition: NBA and NHL own the night
For all its success, NXT had tough primetime competition. The NBA playoffs dominated the evening, with TNT's Memphis-Oklahoma City contest reaching 1.92 million viewers and a commanding 0.60 demo rating. The game also appeared on TruTV, adding 336,000 viewers and tying NXT's 0.17 demo rating.
Over on ESPN, Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators during the NHL playoffs received 603,000 viewers with a 0.18 demo, which was 10th for the night. On ESPN2 (demo 0.14), 427,000 additional viewers tuned in. Playoff hockey was a draw.
According to programming information from Programming Insider, April 22 WWE NXT received 686,000 viewers—a 3.5% boost over the previous week's 663,000. In the key 18–49 demographic, the program registered a 0.17 rating, a huge gain from the previous week's 0.14, a 21% demo performance improvement.
Fallout show brings boost, but more challenges ahead
Following on the heels of Stand & Deliver and starring talent that was recently highlighted on WrestleMania and Raw, perhaps there were higher expectations for this episode. Nevertheless, the spectre of NBA and NHL playoff action—much of which stretches deep into May—means sustained pressure on Tuesday night ratings for NXT. Whether or not the brand can sustain or add to this viewership base remains to be determined.
Associated NHL First-Round Matchups (April 24):
- Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning– 6:30 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV)
- Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators– 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild– 9 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV)
- Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues– 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Prominent Series:
Washington Capitals (M1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (WC2): Caps lead 2–0
Game 3: Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET (TNT/truTV/Max)
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV/Max)
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