CM Punk and Randy Orton Confirm NXT Special Events: New Season of WWE on The CW Network
NXT kicks off the CW season with arena shows in Chicago & St. Louis. Louis
Underground for WWE, NXT will make its highly anticipated broadcast television debut with two big events on The CW Network. The fun kicks off at Allstate Arena in Chicago on October 1, followed by another night of fun at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Louis on October 8. These events will usher in a new season of not only NXT but two of the biggest WWE Superstars there will also be making a return: CM Punk and Randy Orton.
CM Punk takes the stage in Chicago
On October 1st, Chicago’s Allstate Arena will be buzzing with anticipation as CM Punk makes a special appearance. The event could be a homecoming of sorts for Punk, who has a storied history in Chicago, often considered his hometown in the wrestling world and his return to NXT is a testament to his continued influence and his’ enjoys him in the WWE universe. Punk’s involvement promises to bring an electric atmosphere to the arena, drawing fans from all over.
CM Punk’s return to WWE was nothing short of spectacular. When he rejoined the company at Survivor Series in 2023, Punk made waves on WWE’s flagship brands—Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. His back-to-back appearances at NXT tapings and participation in events like NXT Deadline have shown his dedication to the next generation of WWE stars. There have been whispers about Punk’s interest in leading NXT, a role currently played by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels.
Randy Orton Set for St. Louis Showdown
One week later, on October 8th, NXT heads to the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, where Randy Orton will make a special appearance. Orton, another WWE legend, is sure to bring his own brand of excitement to the event. Known as “The Viper,” Orton’s presence guarantees a night of high drama and unforgettable moments.
This St. Louis event is particularly significant as it coincides with a special “Title Tuesday” edition of AEW Dynamite. The wrestling world will be watching closely as NXT and AEW go head-to-head on the same night. AEW’s flagship show, Dynamite, is set to move from its regular Wednesday slot due to MLB Playoff coverage, adding an extra layer of competition to the evening.
Ticket and broadcast information
Tickets for these important events are available through Ticketmaster.com starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 15. on local time. Fans eager to secure their seats early can take advantage of a special pre-sale opportunity beginning at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, August 14th. For more information on presale registration, visit WWE’s official website.
The debut of NXT on The CW Network is a milestone for the WWE. Announced in November 2023, the five-year deal between WWE and The CW will see NXT up to 52 live weekly events at any one time. This partnership brings NXT to a wider audience, cementing its position as a cornerstone of WWE’s programming.
Started by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, NXT has been a destination for the WWE’s most talented young talent since 2012. Led by Shawn Michaels, NXT has become popular with younger audiences, with viewership up 20 percent annually -among adults ages 18-49 to date. WWE superstars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Charlotte Flair have all come out of NXT, highlighting the importance of the brand in WWE’s ecosystem.
Another season for The CW Network
NXT joins an impressive array of live sports on The CW Network, including ACC football and basketball, Pac-12 football, and LIV golf. The network is also home to the Emmy-award-winning series “Inside the NFL” and will begin airing the NASCAR Xfinity series in Fall 2024. With these additions, The CW is set to air more than 500 hours a full year will offer a full range of sports programs , further cementing its position as a major destination for sports fans .
As NXT prepares to debut on The CW, the excitement surrounding these events in Chicago and St. Louis continues to build. With CM Punk and Randy Orton headlining the shows, fans can expect unforgettable nights of action, drama, and electrifying moments.
