New NXT: Level Up series will commence in the wake of 205 Live's demise.
Only a few days ago, rumors circulated that WWE was planning to launch a new program to replace 205 Live with a new trademark. Seeing as how the cruiserweight division has been abolished in favor of the North American championship, it makes sense for WWE to make the switch.
In fact, a promo aired during NXT “Vengeance Day” informing viewers that the new program, named Level Up, will premiere on Peacock on February 18, 2022.
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The following is a synopsis of what viewers may expect from the show:
“Catch some of WWE’s brightest young talent as they look to begin their climb to the top of NXT 2.0 as WWE’s groundbreaking new show, NXT Level Up, debuts this Friday night at 10/9 C.”
To honour 205 Live’s long history and legacy, Adam Pearce tweeted:
“If you know, you know. To every soul that set foot between the purple ropes, put pen to purple paper, and brought the purple brand to life: Thank you. My gratitude always.? #205Life”
If you know, you know.
To every soul that set foot between the purple ropes, put pen to purple paper, and brought the purple brand to life:
Thank you. My gratitude always.
? #205Life pic.twitter.com/Ufws7hyM8O— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) February 16, 2022
The program debuted on November 29, 2016, with Rich Swann beating Brian Kendrick for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in the main event. To make room for 205 Live, the former post-Smackdown time slot of Talking Smack was moved to 11 p.m. ET following the launch of 205 Live.
205 Live was relocated to the WWE Performance Center in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. During WWE’s “Thunderdome” residency in August 2020, it temporarily relocated to the Amway Center, before returning to the Performance Center to join NXT in its new “Capitol Wrestling Center” studio.
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic events were conducted on 205 Live in 2021, which included tag teams from the 205 Live brand. For the first time, 205 Live witnessed a women’s match on January 22 when The Way (Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell) defeated Cora Jade and Gigi Dolin in their debut Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic bout.
The structure of the program will be altered beginning with the August 13 episode in 2021 due to large reductions in the cast throughout the summer of that year.
Now 205 Live is replaced by NXT: Level Up as of February 15, 2022, according to PWInsider..