How Running Great American Bash Against AEW All In Might Blow Up in WWE’s Face

WWE’s decision to run Great American Bash on the same night as AEW All In 2025 isn’t sitting well with industry insiders—and Dave Meltzer says the motivation behind it couldn’t be more obvious.

During the May 30 episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer and Garrett Gonzales discussed the growing trend of WWE directly scheduling shows to compete with AEW’s biggest events. When Gonzales brought up WWE’s upcoming Great American Bash falling on the same night as All In, Meltzer said the move wasn’t subtle—and had nothing to do with building WWE’s own brand.

“I mean, this isn’t even camouflage anymore. It’s not subtle. The Great American Bash was literally scheduled to go head-to-head with All In. You can’t tell me that’s a coincidence. The thing is, WWE’s not helping their own shows — they’re just trying to hurt AEW.”

Meltzer went on to criticize WWE’s decision to put a major women’s premium live event in direct competition with All In, warning that the strategy could backfire by hurting their own product.

“And it’s kind of dumb, because now you’re cannibalizing your own events. You’ve got this women’s PLE you’re trying to build as something important, and you’re putting it in the path of a juggernaut show just to make a point?”

He acknowledged that WWE could land a blow to AEW’s viewership—especially if rumors about a Goldberg retirement match prove true—but questioned the long-term value of such a move.

“Strategically it’s a mistake. I get the idea of competition — but you’re hurting your own brand to be petty. Like, if they run Goldberg’s retirement match the same day as All In — which I’ve heard could happen — it might take a chunk out of AEW’s audience, sure. But what are you really gaining?”

Meltzer closed the segment by pointing out that fans and industry watchers are catching on to WWE’s pattern.

“They’re spending so much effort on trying to weaken AEW that they’re not focusing on making their own shows feel big. It’s obvious, and people can see through it now.”

If WWE thinks stacking the deck against AEW is a winning play, Meltzer’s message is clear—they’re playing a short game with long-term risks. Instead of making their own shows must-see, they’re chasing shadows, and fans aren’t buying the act anymore.

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