Neither the ongoing Nexus angle on RAW nor hype for the first NXT Poll (and resulting elimination) was enough to prevent this week’s WWE NXT from losing viewers.
According to Mediaweek, Tuesday’s episode fell to 1.048 million viewers with a 0.3 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic, marking a decline of 14% in total viewers and 25% in the young adults demo from last week’s values.
Interestingly, the show’s cable household rating actually improved from a 0.86 to a 0.93, indicating a decline in the number of viewers per household watching.
— F4WOnline.com’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported a pair of interesting tidbits related to the WWE vs. TNA dynamic:
– In a clear sign of how quickly TNA has fallen off WWE’s competitive radar, reports have confirmed that WWE is no longer actively tracking TNA’s television ratings performance in its internal reports. WWE had always downplayed TNA’s viability as a competitor in public discourse, but this report serves as a crystal clear sign that WWE does not even privately see TNA as a threat.
– There is a rumor that Vince McMahon has called for a ban on backhand chops in the ring due to their visual connection with Ric Flair (and proclivity to inspire the crowd to chant “woo”). WWE does not want any clear references to Ric Flair on its programming.
if WWE isn’t worried about TNA why would they be worried about referencing Ric Flair who was very loyal to WWE all those years. I think McMahon knows that with the right creative team TNA can become a monster that may give his empire a little bit of a run for its money. and may mean WWE lifts their game. I for one would be glad to see WWE lift its game. i cannot bring myself to watch the rubbish storylines. TNA on the other hand awesome show lol people need to give it a chance and stop comparing it to WWE.
Thank you for sharing such info of TNA..