On Tuesday, WWE confirmed the big rumor that NXT TV is moving to the USA Network. The show is expanding to two hours and will air live each week from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. NXT on USA Network will go head-to-head each Wednesday night against AEW’s new series on TNT.

WWE’s official announcement on the matter included some quotes from Vince McMahon. WWE’s Chairman and CEO said his goal is to develop NXT’s following so it can be monetized to the same level as Raw and SmackDown.

NXT moving to the USA Network changes the wrestling landscape in multiple ways:

  • WWE now has a third weekly television show in prime time. This puts even more pressure on the company to produce compelling first-run content.
  • NXT has moved even farther away from being a ‘developmental’ brand for the unpolished wrestlers of tomorrow. The upside is that NXT’s top performers are getting the USA Network spotlight.
  • The ‘cold war’ between WWE/NXT and AEW just heated up in a big way.

This is a huge story that we’ll be covering in-depth in the weeks to come. Business is about to pick up in a big way.

It did not take long for the wrestling world to react to this blockbuster news.

Below, you can find some first-impression takes from industry leaders such as Triple H, Jim Ross, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Chris Jericho and more.

Can’t describe this announcement in any other word than PROUD.
Proud of everyone involved from day one.
Proud you’ve let your voice be heard and carried the banner of this brand.
Proud you’ve loudly & clearly said #WeAreNXT.

And I’m proud to say, we’re just getting started.

— Triple H (@TripleH) August 20, 2019

Not sure personally of the poke the bear line but @wwe move to attempt to block their “non competition” isn’t a surprise.

No one said this journey would be easy.

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) August 20, 2019

A long step away from “developmental system down in Florida.” From the first #NXTArRIVAL on @WWENetwork to a weekly television show on @USA_Network. Congratulations to @WWE and

— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 20, 2019

We aren’t scared.

— The Young Bucks® (@NickJacksonYB) August 19, 2019

A lot of time has been spent in the trenches with the men and women I was in @WWENXT with. From armories to the main event of #WrestleMania, we’ve come along way. And we’ll always be @WWENXT. #WeAreNXT

— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) August 20, 2019

Congrats to @WWENXT for making the big move to the @USA_Network! Runners always race faster when somebody is right behind them. Gonna be fun to see which team the world decides to join! #ChooseJericho @AEWrestling @AEWonTNT

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) August 20, 2019

As I stated on @BustedOpenRadio 2wks ago, there was NO WAY IN HELL VKM was going to just “give” AEW the night, unopposed. Strong move by WWE.

AEW are the cool kids/co.

VKM thrives on competition.

Great for the biz and fans!!

Let the Wednesday Night Wars begin.

— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) August 20, 2019

Let the games begin!!!

— matthew riddle (@SuperKingofBros) August 20, 2019

Huge news for the crew @WWENXT and @TripleH. Congrats to all. h

— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) August 20, 2019

Congrats to all involved in making @WWENXT what it is today! Let’s do this!#WeAreNXT

— Jeremy Borash (@JeremyBorash) August 20, 2019