Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

New Rating Method Sparks Controversy Amid WWE Viewership Decline

11/22/2025

48 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In October 2025, Nielsen introduced a 'Big Data + Panel' methodology for measuring television ratings.
The change coincided with a 9% drop in WWE NXT viewership on the CW Network, with 27% in P18-49 and 29% in P25-54.
The CW called the methodology 'fundamentally flawed' and questioned its credibility.
Concerns about reliability are rising, with declines for WWE SmackDown and AEW and scrutiny from the Media Rating Council.

1 of 1

Story summary

In October 2025, Nielsen introduced a 'Big Data + Panel' methodology for measuring television ratings.
The change coincided with a 9% drop in WWE NXT viewership on the CW Network, with 27% in P18-49 and 29% in P25-54.
The CW called the methodology 'fundamentally flawed' and questioned its credibility.
Concerns about reliability are rising, with declines for WWE SmackDown and AEW and scrutiny from the Media Rating Council.