WWE NXT debuted on February 23, 2010, replacing the ECW brand as WWE's third weekly television program. Originally launched as a reality-style competition pairing developmental rookies with established WWE Pros, NXT quickly evolved into one of professional wrestling's most celebrated brands, known for showcasing elite in-ring talent and compelling long-term storytelling.
In June 2012, WWE relaunched NXT as its official developmental territory, operating out of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. What began as a local taping soon grew into a nationally and internationally touring brand, running approximately 200 live events per year by 2016 and earning praise from fans and critics worldwide for the quality of its matches and homegrown talent.
NXT reached peak mainstream recognition during the Wednesday Night Wars from 2019 to 2021, when its two-hour live broadcast on USA Network competed head-to-head with AEW Dynamite. During this period, NXT stars like Adam Cole, Rhea Ripley, Keith Lee, Io Shirai, and Finn Bálor helped the brand earn a reputation as arguably the best in-ring product in all of professional wrestling.
NXT has served as the launching pad for some of WWE's biggest current stars, including Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns, Bron Breakker, and Trick Williams. Current 2026 NXT Champions include Joe Hendry (NXT Championship), Jacy Jayne (NXT Women's Championship), and Myles Borne (NXT North American Championship).