WWE NXT Sees Ratings Drop Before No Mercy – Could the TNA Crossover Backfire on TNA?
The numbers are in following the September 23, 2025 episode of WWE NXT on The CW Network — and the “go-home” show before No Mercy delivered both intrigue and a modest dip in viewership.
Ratings & Viewership
According to Pro Wrestling Torch, this week’s NXT averaged 707,000 viewers, down from last week’s 737,000. While the total audience slipped, the show held steady in the key 18–49 demographic, posting a 0.17 rating — the same as the September 16 broadcast.
The episode, which aired live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, marked the final stop before this Saturday’s No Mercy premium live event.
What Went Down
The September 23 edition of NXT featured a stacked card, but all eyes were on the champion vs. champion main event between TNA World Champion Trick Williams and NXT Champion Oba Femi. The crossover storylines continued to dominate the conversation, as the heavily promoted TNA invasion of NXT added an unpredictable layer to the show.
With the brand-to-brand chaos and a major PLE looming, WWE leaned into spectacle — and while the audience number dipped slightly, the demo stability suggests fans remain invested in the crossover storyline heading into No Mercy.
Is the TNA Invasion Helping NXT, But Hurting TNA?
The early numbers suggest WWE may be benefiting more from the crossover than TNA. NXT has leaned heavily on the “invasion” angle to spark intrigue ahead of No Mercy, holding steady in the key demo despite a slight viewership dip. For WWE, it’s fresh content with minimal downside.
For TNA, however, the picture is murkier. While the exposure is valuable, the company risks having its top stars defined on WWE’s terms. Trick Williams being positioned against Oba Femi is a big spotlight, but fans are questioning whether TNA’s identity and momentum could be overshadowed by WWE’s broader narrative control. The next few weeks will determine if the invasion truly raises TNA’s profile — or leaves them playing second fiddle.
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A 30,000-viewer dip the week before a premium live event isn’t ideal, but NXT’s ability to hold steady in the 18–49 demo is telling. The TNA invasion angle has created buzz, but the challenge will be sustaining momentum beyond No Mercy. Historically, crossover storylines provide a short-term ratings boost but can quickly lose steam if not backed by compelling follow-ups. WWE clearly wants the Trick Williams vs. Oba Femi program to feel big-league — the question now is whether Saturday’s No Mercy will deliver a payoff that keeps casual fans tuning in weekly.
