AEW Defies WWE's Move To Counterprogram With NXT Announcement

It was only a matter of time before World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) responded to All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) announcement to signal the newly formed pro-wrestling promotion’s arrival on television. The latter will air its first live televised event on Oct. 2 at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. and they have responded to WWE’s plan to counterprogram their weekly show.

WWE is aware of the threat posed by AEW as they slowly spread their wings in North America. They hosted soldout pay-per-view events earlier in the year and have now signed with TNT to air their weekly televised program with tickets already sold out for the first three tapings.

Vince McMahon took immediate steps to counter their television impact. WWE is expected to announce NXT arrival on television with the USA Network set to air it on Wednesday nights – the same day AEW will air their weekly show.

The announcement was expected to arrive during WWE’s RAW segment on Monday night but there was no confirmation. However, Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer is certain that it will happen soon as Triple H has already informed the NXT Talent about the switch from pre-recorded shows on WWE Network to live 2-hour shows on USA Network.

WWE is keen to take on AEW and ensure they remain a step ahead while making sure their position as the No.1 sports entertainment show is not threatened. They have also planned to bring the NXT TV coverage well in advance of AEW’s first televised show.

AEW is keen to make their own impression in the pro-wrestling scene and are determined to produce fresh content and push the boundaries on the production front. The Young Bucks – a tag team involving Matthew and Nicholas Massie, who apart from being performers on AEW, are also the executive vice-presidents of the promotion.

Following Wrestling Observer’s report about the impending announcement about NXT’s debut on USA Network, The Young Bucks immediately made it clear that they are not afraid. The new promotion has the backing of Pakistani American billionaire Shahid Khan and are keen to make an impression in the pro-wrestling space and are unlikely to give in to WWE’s desire to make them a side act.