Why WWE is loading up NXT, reaction to ratings (Patreon)

WWE were extremely pleased with the recent trend of NXT ratings.

Fightful Select spoke to a number of WWE sources who indicated to us that there has been a recent increased importance put on the NXT viewership numbers on Tuesday nights. We’re told this is a big reason why Judgment Day, Becky Lynch and others have started to regularly appear on NXT.

WWE sources said that the reason is simple, and financially motivated – WWE wants to increase their television viewership numbers on Tuesdays to better leverage a rights fee deal or package. Showing potential suitors that slight adjustments can increase those ratings benefits that. This came ahead of WWE's announcement that Smackdown would be moving to USA Network. 

Of particular note, WWE were ecstatic about the huge numbers relatively speaking that Becky Lynch vs. Tiffany Stratton drew for their September 12 NXT Title match. It was the largest number in almost three years, and the first time they peaked at over one million viewers in even longer than that.