NXT Ratings March 10: Viewership Drops Amid Preemptions

NXT Ratings March 10: Viewership Drops Amid Preemptions

Weather Storms and Preemptions Hit WWE NXT Viewership for March 10.

The road to Stand & Deliver encountered an unexpected roadblock this week, as March 10 episode of NXT saw a noticeable dip in viewership. Th show averaged 541,000 viewers on the CW Network—a drop from the 604,000 fans who tuned in seven days prior.

The Numbers Breakdown

It wasn’t just the total audience that took a hit; the core demographic followed suit:

  • 18-49 Demo: 0.08 rating (down from 0.09 last week).
  • Total Viewership: -10.4% compared to the March 3 episode.

Why the Slump? The “Chicago Factor”

While a crowded TV landscape always plays a role, the primary culprit for this week’s decline was Mother Nature. Severe thunderstorms and hail across the Midwest triggered widespread preemptions.

Most notably, the Chicago market—traditionally one of WWE’s strongest strongholds—opted to pull the wrestling broadcast in favor of emergency local news coverage. Losing a major hub like Chicago during prime time is a mathematical hit that almost any cable program would struggle to overcome.

Looking Ahead to Las Vegas

Despite the ratings turbulence, the in-ring action remains focused on the upcoming Stand & Deliver Premium Live Event. With the weather stabilizing and the NXT title picture heating up, officials are expecting a significant rebound next week as the build for WrestleMania weekend reaches its peak.

Most Viewed NXT (3/10) Videos on YouTube

  • William Regal and Fit Finlay lead shocking attack on Tavion Heights (136K views)
  • Sol Ruca sends a statement to Jacy Jayne by crushing Lainey Reid (88K views)
  • Izzi Dame destroys new Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley (79K views)
  • FULL MATCH: Joe Hendry & Myles Borne vs. Ricky Saints & Ethan Page (56K views)
  • Tony D’Angelo delivers a threat to NXT Champion Joe Hendry (54K views)
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Steve Austin WrestleMania 42 Match Rumors Addressed by Jim Ross

Steve Austin WrestleMania 42 Match Rumors Addressed by Jim Ross

Rumors about a possible match of Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 42 have been addressed by WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who made it clear that another in-ring return for the legendary star is not expected to happen.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Ross dismissed speculation that Austin could wrestle again at WWE’s biggest event of the year.

The Steve Austin WrestleMania 42 match discussion began to gain traction after WWE announced that the March 16 episode of WWE RAW would be promoted as “3:16 Day.” The special episode celebrates Austin’s legacy and his famous “Austin 3:16” catchphrase. With the date falling about one month before WrestleMania 42, some fans began speculating that the Texas Rattlesnake might appear to set up a match.

Ross, however, said that a return to the ring is highly unlikely.

“As far as to have another match, I don’t see it,” Ross said. “He’s just – it’s not where his head is, and he’s trying to take care of himself health wise.”

While Ross rejected the idea of a match, he did acknowledge that Austin could still make a non-wrestling appearance during the special WWE RAW broadcast.

“To make an appearance, or to shoot an angle, or something along those lines – I could see that potentially happening,” Ross explained. “But as far as to wrestle – no way.”

Austin’s most recent match took place at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, where he defeated Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match marked Austin’s first in-ring appearance in 19 years and received strong reactions from fans. Since then, he has not competed again but has made occasional appearances for WWE, including at WrestleMania 39 in 2023.

Ross also pointed to Austin’s long history of injuries as a major reason why another match would be unlikely.

“These guys are not Iron Man. When they’re hurt, they’re hurt. Austin’s got that bad neck. He’s had bad knees,” Ross said. “I just don’t think it’s worth the risk. I think that’s how Steve would look at it, and I know him pretty well.”

Austin famously suffered a serious neck injury during a match with Owen Hart at SummerSlam in 1997. The injury eventually required spinal fusion surgery and played a major role in shortening his full-time wrestling career.

Ross and Austin share one of the most iconic partnerships in wrestling history, with Ross calling many of Austin’s biggest moments, including his WWE Championship victory over Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14.

Steve Austin WrestleMania 42 Match Rumors Addressed by Jim Ross

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WrestleMania 42 Stipulations Reportedly Being Considered for Key Matches

WrestleMania 42 Stipulations Reportedly Being Considered for Key Matches

WrestleMania 42 stipulations are reportedly being discussed internally as WWE looks for ways to strengthen the event’s presentation and attract more viewers. According to WrestleVotes Radio, company leadership is exploring possible additions of special match stipulations to several marquee bouts on the card.

Possible stipulations for WrestleMania 42 are part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing the event’s appeal, particularly among casual viewers. WWE is reportedly looking for ways to convert viewers who sample portions of the broadcast on traditional television into full streaming subscribers.

One idea under consideration involves adding a special stipulation to an opening match that will air on traditional ESPN channels. By presenting an eye-catching match type during the early portion of the broadcast, WWE hopes to capture the attention of viewers who are watching the preview window before the event continues on ESPN’s streaming platform.

The goal is to create a strong “hook” that encourages those viewers to subscribe in order to watch the remainder of the show. A high-profile stipulation match at the start of the event could provide a compelling reason for casual fans to continue watching beyond the initial segment.

The WrestleMania 42 stipulations discussions also reflect WWE’s ongoing efforts to generate additional momentum for the event. Recent reports have indicated that several departments within the company have been encouraged to present new ideas that could help improve promotion for the show.

WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place on April 18 and April 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The two-night event will feature multiple championship matches, including Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton.

Other confirmed matches include CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns. The women’s division is also expected to play a major role at the event.

Reports have suggested that WWE may be planning a record number of women’s matches for WrestleMania 42, with as many as six bouts potentially being included on the card. While those plans have not been fully finalized, the expanded focus highlights WWE’s effort to present a wide range of high-profile matchups across both nights.

If the reported WrestleMania 42 stipulations plans move forward, fans could see several matches receive added rules or match types designed to increase the overall excitement of the event.

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Jelly Roll Expected to Appear at WrestleMania 42

Jelly Roll Expected to Appear at WrestleMania 42

The relationship between WWE and multi-platinum artist Jelly Roll continues to grow as the industry prepares for its biggest event in Las Vegas. Following a series of video messages and a high-profile match last summer, sources indicate that a potential appearance of Jelly Roll at WrestleMania 42 is now being finalized. Backstage reports from WrestleVotes Radio suggest the musician has earned “universal praise” for his professionalism and his genuine passion for the wrestling business.

Fans will not have to wait until April to see him back in a WWE ring. Jelly Roll is scheduled to appear in person on the March 13 episode of SmackDown in Phoenix, Arizona. This follows his appearance via video last week, where he congratulated Randy Orton on his Elimination Chamber win and threw his support behind Cody Rhodes. The singer’s presence on the road to Allegiant Stadium comes at a perfect time, as Jelly Roll appearing at WrestleMania 42 coincides with his debut as a playable character in the WWE 2K26 video game, which officially launches on March 13.

Jelly Roll has proven he is willing to do more than just stand on the stage. At SummerSlam 2025, he teamed with Orton to face Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, famously taking a “Paul from Grace” through an announce table. His commitment to the product has even extended to other promotions, as he and Teddy Swims recently appeared at TNA No Surrender in February to celebrate with Trey Miguel. With WrestleMania 42 taking place on April 18 and 19, the Grammy-nominated star seems poised to “run it back” for another memorable moment on the grandest stage of them all.

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Jake Paul: ‘I Believe The UFC Is Dying And MVP Is Here To Take Over’

His brother Logan might be signed to its TKO sister company, WWE. But Jake Paul is confident MVP will surpass UFC as the boxing promotion due to make its first foray into MMA with Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano on Netflix in May. 

The card is set to be headlined by the return of Rousey and Carano, as well as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou against Philipe Lins in the co-main event, and will also be the first MMA event to be streamed on Netflix.

Paul got the chance to talk about his promotional rival during the press conference for the event, during which Rousey was also critical of the promotion since moving from pay-per-view to streaming, citing Dana White’s lack of control over the company. 

“Just four and a half years into building this company with Nakisa [Bidarian] and we’re doing the first-ever MMA event live on Netflix,” Paul said. “MMA is in a weird position right now and it’s the wild west, and I believe we have a massive opportunity here to disrupt the whole space and to put fighters first, get them the pay that they deserve, the platform they deserve. Because I believe the UFC is dying and MVP is here to take over.”

MVP started off the back of Paul’s emergence in boxing, beating retired UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley in the promotion’s first two events before 2022 saw MVP promote Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano, a saga which eventually turned into a trilogy of fights. The last time Paul was active at one of his events was a knock-out loss to Anthony Joshua last year.