Get ready for a pro wrestling showdown like no other! June 28, 2026, is shaping up to be a day packed with action and drama as WWE NXT's Great American Bash goes head-to-head with AEW x NJPW's Forbidden Door. This clash of titans has got me, and many wrestling fans, buzzing with anticipation and a whole lot of questions.
The WWE NXT team, led by the legendary Shawn Michaels, has announced that The Great American Bash will air on The CW at 7 p.m. on the same day as the highly anticipated AEW x NJPW event. This move by WWE is a bold one, and it raises some intriguing points about the future of professional wrestling and the strategies employed by these industry giants.
WWE's Counterprogramming Strategy: A History Lesson
WWE's decision to counterprogram AEW's PPV events with their own NXT PLEs is not a new tactic. In fact, it's a strategy that WWE has employed for years, dating back to the WCW days. However, the question on everyone's mind is: has this strategy ever worked? The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding no.
Let's take a look at WWE's recent attempts at counterprogramming. In 2025, WWE aired Battleground against AEW's Double or Nothing in May, and The Great American Bash against All In in July. Despite WWE's efforts, both AEW events drew strong attendance and PPV buys, leaving WWE's attempts seemingly unsuccessful.
Not learning from their previous mistakes, WWE decided to try again with a main roster PLE, WWE WrestlePalooza, against AEW's All Out in September. Once more, All Out outshone WWE's offering, drawing strong business and leaving WWE's move looking rather embarrassing, especially as it was the first PLE to air on ESPN's streaming service following a multi-year agreement.
WWE's Persistent Approach
So, why is WWE so determined to persist with this counterprogramming strategy? It's a question that many wrestling fans and analysts are asking. With three failed attempts already, one would think WWE would reconsider their approach. But, as the saying goes, 'history repeats itself for those who fail to learn from it.'
The upcoming clash between WWE NXT's Great American Bash and AEW x NJPW's Forbidden Door is a prime example of WWE's refusal to adapt. Personally, I believe WWE is setting themselves up for yet another embarrassing situation. Forbidden Door is an event that has been highly anticipated by fans, and with WWE's track record, it's hard to see how Great American Bash can compete, especially with an NXT PLE.
The Impact on TNA and WWE's Reputation
This move by WWE also has implications for TNA President Carlos Silva, who now faces the embarrassment of WWE moving a show to the same day as his event. This is the same reason Silva cited for removing TNA talent from matches with AEW talent a few months ago. It's a minor point, but it highlights the ripple effect of WWE's actions and the potential damage to relationships within the industry.
Furthermore, WWE's persistent counterprogramming strategy could damage their reputation. Fans are savvy, and they know when a company is trying to undermine its competition. WWE's actions may be seen as desperate and could potentially alienate fans who appreciate the unique offerings of each promotion.
A Step Back and a Look Forward
If WWE truly wants to compete with AEW and other promotions, they need to focus on creating compelling content and building their brand rather than trying to undermine their competitors. The wrestling landscape is evolving, and WWE needs to evolve with it. Counterprogramming may have worked in the past, but in today's wrestling world, it's a strategy that is outdated and ineffective.
As we look forward to the upcoming events, it will be interesting to see how WWE's Great American Bash fares against AEW x NJPW's Forbidden Door. Will WWE's strategy pay off, or will history repeat itself? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the wrestling world is watching, and the outcome could shape the future of professional wrestling as we know it.
