AEW and TNA are on a collision course. Both promotions have locked in major pay-per-views for Sunday, June 28, 2026, setting up the first direct PPV showdown between the two companies in the modern era.
AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2026 will emanate from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. TNA Slammiversary 2026 is scheduled for the same night as part of the promotion's newly announced 2026 touring schedule.
From Talent Pulls To PPV Warfare
The scheduling conflict marks a sharp escalation in what has been a rapidly deteriorating relationship between the two promotions. Just over a week ago, TNA President Carlos Silva pulled Nic Nemeth from a scheduled Create A Pro match against AEW World Champion MJF, citing conflicts after AEW Collision aired on Impact's traditional Thursday night.
That decision set off a chain reaction. Nemeth publicly called the cancellation "crushing" on Busted Open Radio, while Will Ospreay slammed TNA on social media, labeling the talent pulls "cowardly." The independent scene, long a neutral ground where AEW and TNA talent crossed paths freely, has become a front in a promotional cold war.
Now that war is moving to the main stage.
What's At Stake On June 28
Forbidden Door has been one of AEW's marquee events since its debut, built around dream matches between AEW's roster and stars from New Japan Pro-Wrestling and other international partners. The San Jose date was confirmed earlier today, with the SAP Center announcement setting the stage for another star-studded card.
Slammiversary is TNA's flagship event, historically the promotion's biggest night of the year outside of Bound For Glory. The June 28 date was part of TNA's 2026 schedule reveal last week.
Neither promotion has publicly acknowledged the head-to-head scheduling, but the timing, coming days after the MJF match cancellation fallout, is difficult to read as coincidence.
AEW or TNA?
For wrestling fans, the Sunday night scheduling creates a choice that hasn't existed in years. Split audiences historically benefit the promotion with the deeper roster and broader reach, and AEW enters June with significantly more mainstream visibility. TNA, however, has momentum from recent international broadcast deals and a resurgent in-ring product.
Match cards and start times for both events have yet to be announced. Expect more details in the coming weeks as both promotions begin hyping their respective PPVs.
