Parents' Guide to

WWE NXT

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Wrestling pros roughly mentor rookies in the ring.

TV Syfy Reality TV 2010
WWE NXT Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 10+

Based on 3 parent reviews

AbeJohn39023
AbeJohn39023 Parent of 10, 11 and 14-year-old
June 29, 2013
age 7+

Violent but okay

It is not that bad and kids 7 and up should probably know that wrestling is fake.but kinda violent

This title has:

Too much violence
undertakernumber1fan
undertakernumber1fan Adult
April 17, 2011
age 13+

ITRS NOT BALLET ITS WRESTLING

its WRESTLING NOT ballet. there is going to be some violence and some harsh language. they are trying to teach these people about the business and what goes on in and out of the ring. I have watched NXT and the language on there is NO WORSE than on any pg 13 movie out there. I wouldnt let the young kids watch it it probably to intense for anyone younger than say 13. These men and woman are hard working good people, at lot better people top look up to than some of the actor these days.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

WWE NXT features eight pro wrestling stars mentoring eight wrestling rookies who hope to become part of the World Wrestling Entertainment tour. Each newbie is paired up with a pro like William Regal, CM Punk, and R-Truth to learn what it takes to be a true WWE fighter. As the pros challenge them to things like shouting catch phrases, hurling insults, and various wrestling matches, the rookies have to show they have what it takes to be the next new wrestling star. Commentators Josh Mathews and Michael Cole share their reactions to the events taking place both in and out of the ring, while show host Matt Striker interviews the rookies to get their thoughts about their experiences.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (17 ):

The series combines the elements of a live event with the drama of a reality series to highlight some of the personality traits and skills WWE wrestlers need in order to be successful on the circuit. It also offers a chance for viewers to see some of today's up-and-coming wrestling talent.

The mentoring offered here may not seem very constructive, but it is consistent with the culture of the wrestling entertainment world. The over-the-top challenges and reactions of their mentors are intended to get the rookies to perform in a way that corresponds with the show's overall style. Wrestling fans will probably find the show a bit tamer than other WWE programs, but still find enough here to be entertained.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what really goes into professional wrestling. Did you know that wrestling originated as a sport in Ancient Greece? What kind of training do pro wrestlers have to have in order to safely perform in the ring? What is the difference between the sport and what you see in WWE shows?

  • How much of what you see in a WWE show is real? Is the animosity between wrestlers just a performance to entertain audiences, or is there something to it? Are the wrestlers really hurting as much as they seem to be during matches? Why do they make it look so violent? Parents: check out some of CSM's advice about talking to your kids about some of these issues.

  • What is entertaining about people fighting and insulting each other? Do you think watching this kind of stuff is a way to experience anti-social behavior vicariously? Or does it influence you to imitate the behavior?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended tv lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate