WWE initially planned to air a Saturday Night Main Event on July 12, coinciding with AEW’s All In Texas event, prompting AEW to move their show to the afternoon. However, WWE later announced the NXT Great American Bash Premium Live event also for July 12, directly competing with AEW’s Texas event, followed by another major pay-per-view on July 13.
Despite WWE’s claims that AEW is a minor competitor, the company has consistently scheduled events to overshadow AEW’s shows. Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer noted that WWE’s original plan to air Saturday Night Main Event on the same day as AEW’s event was designed to hurt AEW’s ratings and disrupt its audience. Meltzer pointed out that WWE’s recent trend of counter-programming, like with the Battleground Premium Live event, clearly shows WWE’s intent to challenge AEW’s growing prominence.
Regarding the July 12 main event, WWE plans to heavily promote the show, even if it doesn’t clash directly with all Texas events. Rumors suggest the show may feature Goldberg’s retirement match in Atlanta—his hometown—though this has yet to be confirmed.
Fan Take: This scheduling battle highlights WWE’s ongoing determination to undermine AEW’s rise, which is crucial for AEW fans to watch. It signals a fierce competition that could push both promotions to deliver stronger, more exciting content, ultimately benefiting the wrestling industry as a whole.
