RUMOR: USA Network Not Happy With Upcoming NXT Change

Can you blame them? WWE might not be as popular as it once was, but it is certainly bringing in a heck of a lot more money than it ever has before. The majority of that money comes from television contracts, as television networks are more than willing to hand over a lot of money for WWE’s first run content. However, one of them does not seem to be pleased over a recent development.

According to a tweet from the Mat Men Pro Wrestling podcast, a USA network employee is not happy with NXT being turned back into a taped show. The employee was quoted as saying that “a taped show is not what we paid for”. There is no word on what USA might do if NXT does move to a taped schedule. WWE has yet to announce any change to the NXT schedule, though the changes are expected to begin following this Sunday’s Takeover 36.

Spoke to a contact from USA Network regarding the rumors of NXT going back to a taped show

“A taped show is not what we paid for”

Per, @AndrewZarian pic.twitter.com/ZZzwYit9H5

— Mat Men Pro Wrestling Podcast ? (@Matmenpodcast) August 16, 2021

NXT has had some great moments. Check out what USA has been paying for:

NXT’s Survivor Series celebration turns intense: WWE NXT, Nov. 27, 2019

FULL MATCH - Adam Cole vs. Finn Bálor – NXT Championship Match: NXT, Dec. 18, 2019

Ilja Dragunov vs. Pete Dunne: WWE NXT, Aug. 10, 2021

Opinion: This should not be the biggest surprise as the USA Network did not in fact pay for a taped show. If the results are going to be leaked, which they will be, it is going to hurt their audience. While it might be a good idea for WWE’s production costs, it is not going to be well received by USA. I’m not sure if it is going to mean much at the moment, but it might mean something when the new television contract comes up.

Will WWE be in trouble over this? Should the show be taped? Let us know in the comments below.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has seen over 60,000 wrestling matches. He has also been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 6,000 full shows covered. You can find his work at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or check out his- Amazon author page with 30 wrestling books.

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