WWE NXT faced a significant drop in TV ratings on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, airing on the USA Network from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. The show attracted 589,000 viewers aged two and older (P2+), registering a 0.08 rating in the key 18-49 demographic. This episode went head-to-head with the broadcast of the State of the Union address, which likely impacted its audience size during the same time slot.
Comparing Current Ratings to Recent Weeks and Previous Years
When compared to the previous week’s episode, which drew 744,000 viewers, this week’s attendance fell by 21%. It was also down 12% compared to the average of the last four weeks, which stood at 671,000 viewers. Looking at a broader trend, the first quarter average for 2026 (641,000 viewers) shows a 16% drop from the same period in 2025 (760,000).
The ratings decline extends to the month-over-month comparison, where February 2026’s average of 650,000 viewers is down 15% against February 2025’s 764,000.
Within the 18-49 demographic, which is crucial for advertisers, the episode’s 0.08 rating marked an 11% decrease from last week’s 0.09. This trend aligns with the trailing four-week average of 0.09 rating, signaling consistent downturns. More strikingly, the 2026 first quarter’s average rating of 0.09 reflects a 50% reduction from the 0.18 rating posted in 2025’s first quarter.
Similarly, February 2026 is down 50% versus February 2025 in the P18-49 rating average.
Breakdown of Viewer Demographics Reveals Varied Changes
Looking at detailed demographic splits compared to the median of the past four non-preempted episodes, the following changes were observed:
- Overall P2+ viewers: 589,000 (down 10%)
- Adults 18-49 (P18-49): approximately 109,000 (down 6%)
- Female 18-49: about 33,000 (down 18%)
- Male 18-49: around 74,000 (down 9%)
- Viewers outside 18-49: approximately 480,000 (down 12%)
Adjustments in Ratings Measurement Impact Context
The ratings data for WWE NXT since September 26, 2025, has utilized a combined Big Data + Panel methodology, replacing the prior panel-only measurement system. This shift initially correlated with a general decline in reported wrestling viewers. However, Nielsen implemented a methodological update on January 26, 2026, specifically for cable broadcasts, which corresponded with an overall uptick in viewership figures for wrestling programming.
It is important to note that Wrestlenomics is independent and is not affiliated with or licensed by Nielsen.
Why This Ratings Drop Matters for WWE NXT
The 21% ratings decrease for WWE NXT on the night of February 24 underscores the challenge of competing with major live events, like the State of the Union address, for audience attention. Continuous declines compared to last year’s figures signal potential concerns for advertisers and network executives who rely on stable or growing viewership.
Going forward, monitoring episodes that do not conflict with major broadcasts will be crucial to assess WWE NXT’s ability to regain its audience. Adjustments in Nielsen’s measurement techniques also mean analysts and stakeholders must interpret rating data carefully within the evolving context of how viewership is assessed.
