WWE's Strategy Post-NXT Battleground: Will PPV Clashes with AEW Continue?

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In an intriguing development within the wrestling industry, WWE's NXT Battleground event will co-occur with AEW's Double or Nothing pay-per-view this upcoming Sunday. This isn't a novel maneuver by WWE, as they've previously held events on the same day or weekend as AEW, a relatively newer promotion.

A prime example of this was last September when WWE's NXT versus NXT UK Worlds Collide event concluded just before AEW's All Out. During a media conference call last Thursday, WWE legend Shawn Michaels addressed this strategic decision.

He hinted that this tactic might only persist in the present. According to Michaels, decisions about event schedules are made by those higher up in WWE's hierarchy, decisions that are only sometimes communicated to him. "For us, this was about a big Memorial Day weekend for WWE," Michaels emphasized.

This particular schedule slightly rearranged previous strategies, where WWE would host joint weekends with NXT airing on Saturday and WWE pay-per-views on Sunday. This time, however, the script has flipped. With the Night of Champions on Saturday afternoon, the WWE decided to broadcast NXT on Sunday night, crafting a vibrant WWE weekend for its fans.

Michaels' Take on WWE-AEW Clash

Michaels also shared his personal preference for less competition during WWE events. "No different than going up against the NBA & NHL playoffs for the last several weeks," he explained.

The WWE legend looks forward to times when there's less competing entertainment to enhance WWE viewership. AEW's Double or Nothing is slated to unfold at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Conversely, WWE's NXT Battleground is set for the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts.

The NXT event will feature a Stand & Deliver rematch between Carmelo Hayes and Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship. Meanwhile, the AEW pay-per-view will be highlighted by a four-way match featuring MJF, Darby Allin, "Jungly Boy" Jack Perry, and Sammy Guevara for the AEW World Championship. In these head-to-head events, both promotions promise high-stakes drama and electrifying performances.