On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, WWE NXT aired from 8:00 to 10:00 pm on the CW network, drawing an audience of 744,000 viewers aged two and older (P2+). This marked a 17% rise compared to the previous week’s 637,000 viewers and matched the 17% increase over the trailing four-week average. The episode’s rating among adults aged 18-49 was 0.09, reflecting no change from the recent four-week average in that demographic.
Detailed Comparison of Ratings and Demographics
Although the P2+ viewership saw improvement this week, it remains below the first quarter average for 2025. The current 2026 first-quarter P2+ average stands at 648,000 viewers, which is 15% less than the 760,000 average from the same period last year. February 2026’s P2+ average of 670,000 also declined by 12% compared to February 2025’s 764,000.
Regarding the key 18-49 age group rating, this week’s episode registered a 0.09 rating, down 25% from last week’s 0.12 but steady compared to the trailing four weeks. However, the current 2026 first-quarter average of 0.09 is 50% lower than the first quarter of 2025, which averaged a 0.18 rating. Similarly, February 2026’s 0.10 rating has dropped 44% compared to February 2025.
Breakdown of Viewership by Demographic Groups
Breaking down the February 17 episode’s audience further, the estimated viewers include approximately 123,000 adults aged 18-49, which is a 13% increase over the median of the past four episodes. Women aged 18-49 accounted for roughly 47,000 viewers, up 42%, while men in the same age group remained steady at around 81,000 viewers. Meanwhile, viewers outside the 18-49 range numbered about 621,000, showing a 22% increase compared to recent episodes.
Methodology Changes Affecting Ratings Data
Since September 26, 2025, WWE NXT ratings have been tracked using a new combined “Big Data + Panel” methodology, replacing the prior panel-only system. This transition initially led to lower viewership measurements for wrestling programs. However, Nielsen implemented another methodological adjustment for cable telecasts starting January 26, 2026, resulting in increased viewership numbers for wrestling content. These changes in measurement techniques contribute to fluctuations observed in WWE NXT’s ratings.
Implications and What to Watch Next
The recent 17% growth in WWE NXT’s viewership indicates a potential upswing in interest, despite year-over-year declines in key demographics. This increase may encourage the WWE and broadcasters to continue developing content that appeals to a broader audience. However, the sustained lower ratings compared to last year suggest challenges remain in recapturing past viewership levels. Moving forward, monitoring how these ratings evolve with further programming and measurement adjustments will be critical for assessing the show’s performance.
