Update on WWE taping upcoming NXT episode in advance

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer explained why WWE is taping an upcoming NXT episode in advance.

NXT is holding a double taping at the Performance Center next Tuesday (February 13). In addition to February 13’s live episode, the February 20 edition of NXT will be taped that night.

Meltzer notes that the reason for the taping is because WWE is holding tryouts in Perth, Australia during Elimination Chamber week. Key people from NXT will be in Perth for the tryouts.

Elimination Chamber is taking place from Optus Stadium in Perth on February 24. Because of the travel for the event, the February 23 episode of SmackDown will also be taped in advance.

Meltzer wrote:

As noted before, [WWE] will be taping two weeks of Smackdown on 2/16 because on 2/23 the top stars have to be in Australia for the Elimination Chamber and the decision was made not to tape there.

They are also taping two weeks of NXT on 2/13. The reason is there are tryouts in Perth, Australia so the key NXT people will be leaving before 2/20.

The February 13 episode of NXT will feature a Tag Team title match with Tony D’Angelo & Stacks defending against Dusty Classic winners Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin. No matches have been announced for the February 20 episode yet.