Even though “WWE Raw” is globally available on Netflix, “WWE NXT” and “WWE SmackDown” still air on The CW and the USA Network respectively, and Fightful Select reached out to both networks to see what they thought of the recent changes. 

A contact at the USA Network told Fightful that the change is being discussed, and that it could mean that wrestling isn’t as hot as what many people originally believed. However, they are against the idea that the “Panel” data method overestimated the viewing patterns of wrestling fans, and that the data they have analyzed in recent years shows no real need to be concerned right now. The USA contact clarified that wrestling has given them a return on investment for very low costs over the past few decades, hence why they love doing business with WWE, and that doesn’t look to be changing any time soon.

Fightful did not hear back from The CW representative about the matter, but it has been widely known that the network was happy with how “NXT” was performing, and that they were always going to add wrestling to their schedule before they had even started negotiating with WWE. One concern that a source from within WWE did have about the situation was that it could impact TNA’s ability to land a good TV deal, which the company are currently looking for. However, company President Carlos Silva told Fightful that they have an important call this week, and that the new Nielsen method hasn’t been brought up during recent negotiations. As for the talent, Fightful was told that they have experienced more adjustments to their schedules than usual, but it has largely unaffected them.