FOX & WWE Currently Working on Potential Plans for NXT on FS1

As noted before, WWE and FOX have had discussions about the idea of NXT possibly airing on Wednesdays on FS1 starting this fall.

WWE sources confirmed to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the idea is being strongly talked about, with the primary reason being competition with AEW, since both shows would air on Wednesdays. The talks are said to be serious enough that FOX brought up the possibility to their local affiliates in a meeting last week.

One potential plan if NXT moves to FS1 involves having main roster talent appear more often “here and there” on NXT shows, according to the Observer, though WWE currently does not have any plans to turn NXT into a haven for main roster talent nor have them dominate the shows. Dave Meltzer speculated that this could lead to Vince McMahon becoming more involved with the NXT brand.

Meltzer also reported that WWE currently has no plans for The O.C. to invade NXT despite AJ Styles threatening Shawn Michaels about it during the RAW Reunion show.

In regards to FOX’s potential plans for NXT, Meltzer reported that there may be scheduling issues with airing NXT on Wednesdays during the college basketball season due to FS1’s current contract with the Big East Conference. Meltzer speculated that FOX might consider airing NXT on FS2 during those weeks although it would be counter-productive to WWE’s plans of using NXT as counter-programming to AEW’s weekly television show.

TNT currently has a household reach of 89 million homes compared to 82 million for FS1 and 57 million for FS2 in the United States.