WWE changes summer event schedule, adds Stomping Grounds PPV

While WWE prides itself on structure, their upcoming summer looks to be anything but. Several changes have been made in the last week or so regarding the WWE and NXT pay-per-view schedules.

After taking a massive hit to their stock last week, WWE has been making drastic changes to their summer schedule. While one would think the two aren’t related, it’s easy to question some of the rash decisions suddenly being made as their stock has plummeted almost 20 dollars in less than a week.

First, due to the next WWE event in Saudi Arabia being moved from May to June it has drastically altered the WWE pay-per-view calendar. With WWE losing a good chunk of money in their last quarter, these Saudi shows (and the big money they represent) are now more important than ever. Because of it, shows stateside are paying the price.

WWE Backlash was supposed to be in San Jose on June 9 but that event has now been canceled and a new WWE pay-per-view will take its place later n the month, on June 23 at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington. This show is called WWE Stomping Grounds (really??). With all of the great WWE pay-per-view names of the past on the back burner, this name is a real head-scratcher to the point where we long for the days of Great Balls of Fire. Well … almost.

Unfortunately, the main roster isn’t the only one being affected this summer, as the previously-announced NXT TakeOver that was set to take place on June 8 in San Jose (in conjunction with Backlash) seemingly has been canceled entirely.

According to the Wrestling Observer, NXT should have a new game plan in place by the time they reach their next set of TV tapings, which take place on May 1, so we are only a few days away from figuring out what’s next for the black and gold brand.

Will they hold an NXT TakeOver back in Full Sail for the first time in forever? Will we now no longer have a TakeOver until SummerSlam? These are questions that will hopefully be answered sooner rather than later.

What are your opinions on all these changes WWE is making? Are you happy with them? Do you like the Stomping Grounds name? Or do you think it’s stupid? Sound off in the comments section below and let us know!