The wrestling world is abuzz with the announcement that WWE's NXT brand will host its next Premium Live Event, The Great American Bash, on June 28, 2026, on The CW. This move, according to Dave Meltzer, is a questionable strategy that could have significant implications for the industry. Meltzer argues that WWE's decision to counterprogram AEW's Forbidden Door pay-per-view is a repeat of a failed tactic from 2025. He questions why WWE would attempt this again, especially with NXT's current lack of momentum. While NXT's show is on free TV, AEW's pay-per-view will cost fans $40 or $50, which could potentially hurt AEW's performance. However, Meltzer notes that the situation is more complex than it seems. With AEW's current momentum, NXT's direct comparison to AEW will likely be unfavorable for WWE, especially if AEW delivers another high-quality event like Double or Nothing 2026. This could further damage NXT's reputation and draw more comparisons to AEW, which is not in WWE's best interest. The real victim in this scenario, according to Meltzer, is TNA. TNA's Slammiversary pay-per-view, scheduled for the same day as NXT's Great American Bash, will suffer significant losses. The partnership between WWE and TNA, which has been beneficial for both brands, will be disrupted. WWE's decision to schedule NXT's show on free TV, while Slammiversary is on pay-per-view, will likely cause fans to choose NXT over TNA. This will result in a loss of viewers for TNA, as casual fans will opt for the free show. Additionally, the fatigue factor could impact both NXT and TNA, as fans might be less inclined to watch both shows in quick succession. The situation raises questions about the future of wrestling partnerships and the impact of counterprogramming on the industry. It remains to be seen how this will affect the wrestling landscape and whether WWE's decision will ultimately prove to be a strategic mistake.
