Bully Ray Explains Why “Showdown” Works Better Than “Invasion” for NXT vs TNA

WWE officially dropped the “Invasion” name during the September 30, 2025 episode of NXT — and one of wrestling’s most outspoken veterans says it’s not just a cosmetic change.

Originally billed as “Invasion,” the NXT vs TNA crossover drew heavy backlash after Israeli officials criticized the title’s timing. The special was set for October 7, the anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attacks, and many saw the branding as tone-deaf. When WWE announced live on air that the event would now be called “Showdown,” fans instantly started debating the move.

On Busted Open After Dark, Bully Ray broke down why the new name actually makes more sense for the storyline, pointing out that the whole “invasion” concept was off from the start.

“I was scratching my head about the whole ‘Invasion’ name. Because how do you have an invasion when just a couple of months ago—maybe six months ago, however long—it’s been, these two brands have been working together? Everything has been going pretty well up until just a couple of weeks ago.”

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Bully explained that this isn’t an attack angle like the classic WCW/ECW invasion of WWE. It’s a competitive fallout between two brands that were already working together — so the word “showdown” is a better fit.

“So… is it really an invasion? Is TNA really invading NXT? Is NXT really invading TNA? No. This wasn’t like the ECW/WCW invasion of WWE back in the day. This wasn’t like any type of invasion storyline or angle we’re used to seeing. These are two brands that have gotten together, brand new relationship, and now things are starting to go a little bit wrong.”

For Bully, the name “Showdown” nails exactly what’s happening.

“So it’s no longer an invasion. It’s a showdown, which I think is a far better name for this upcoming PLE—Showdown instead of Invasion.”

Bully’s take flips the narrative — instead of WWE scrambling, the rebrand actually makes the angle feel more authentic to what’s being presented on TV.

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