Overview
- In an on-the-record statement to Wrestlenomics, The CW said Nielsen’s Big Data rollout produced NXT numbers that are inexplicable and lack credibility, calling the methodology fundamentally flawed.
- The CW criticized Nielsen for a lack of cooperation, transparency, and accountability and said it is working with the company to resolve the issue.
- Nielsen shifted in September to a Big Data + Panel approach that blends smart TV, set-top box, and other third-party data with its traditional panel.
- Wrestlenomics reports declines under the new method for major wrestling shows, including AEW Collision down 6%, AEW Dynamite down 9%, and WWE SmackDown down 14%, with a source indicating NXT’s key demo is about 27% lower and Fightful noting NXT’s total viewership averaged 9% lower.
- Sports Media Watch notes The CW’s rebuke is the most significant on-the-record network critique since the change, as the Media Rating Council reviews the product and a recent NXT episode on November 14 drew 554,000 viewers.