NXT is already looking for ways to make this year’s Great American Bash feel like a bigger deal. They also may be borrowing from AEW in the process.
During the June 16 episode of NXT, Robert Stone announced that the brand will be holding a tailgate party before the event. While Stone didn’t reveal many details, the announcement immediately raised eyebrows because AEW has been using a very similar concept around its major pay-per-views.
AEW introduced a pre-show brand called Tailgate Brawl in 2025. The one-hour television special aired on TNT and HBO Max immediately before several AEW pay-per-views. That show gave fans some matches before the main card started.
What made the concept even more unique was that AEW didn’t replace its existing Zero Hour pre-show. The traditional Zero Hour presentation continued online while Tailgate Brawl aired on television. That gave the company two preshows before pay-per-views, and while it was a bit confusing, fans seemed to enjoy the variety.
It is unclear whether WWE plans to simply host a fan gathering outside the WWE Performance Center or if there will be matches, special segments, or other programming attached to it. If WWE decides to expand the idea beyond a standard fan event, comparisons to AEW’s Tailgate Brawl are almost guaranteed.
The Great American Bash takes place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, and we will have complete coverage here at Ringside News. The event will air live at 7 p.m. ET on The CW Network, and it will also mark the first NXT premium live event to be broadcast on the network as part of WWE’s new agreement with The CW.
What’s your take on NXT’s tailgate party? Would you show up? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
