The Great American Bash: The Full History (In WCW And WWE)

From dusty fairgrounds and smoky arenas to major pay-per-view events, The Great American Bash has carved out a unique place in wrestling history. First launched in 1985 under the banner of Jim Crockett Promotions, The Bash quickly became WCW’s crown jewel of the summer. Whether it was Dusty Rhodes bleeding buckets, Sting rising to stardom, or Ric Flair styling and profiling his way through title defenses, The Bash delivered classic moments long before WWE ever got its hands on it.

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And when they did? It took on a whole new life – from Ruthless Aggression Era bloodbaths to its surprising NXT revival in recent years. In this article, we’re diving deep into every era, every card, and every chaotic swerve that’s made The Great American Bash a wrestling tradition worth celebrating – whether you lived through it or you’re discovering it for the first time.

The First Great American Bash (1985)

• Date: July 6, 1985
• Location: Charlotte, North Carolina (American Legion Memorial Stadium)
• Cagematch rating: N/R

NWA The Great American Bash 1985 Results

1. Buddy Landel vs. Ron Bass ended in a 20-minute time limit draw
2. The Andersons (Ole & Arn Anderson) def. Buzz Sawyer & Dick Slater to retain the NWA National Tag Team Championship
3. Sam Houston, Manny Fernandez & Buzz Tyler def. ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham, Abdullah the Butcher & Konga the Barbarian
4. The Russian Team (Ivan Koloff & Krusher Khrushchev) vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) for the NWA World Tag Team Championship ended in a draw (The Russian Team retained the title)
5. Magnum T.A. def. Kamala by DQ to retain the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship
6. Ric Flair def. Nikita Koloff with David Crockett as the special guest referee for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
7. Dusty Rhodes def. Tully Blanchard in a Steel Cage Match to win the NWA World Television Championship

The first Great American Bash took place on July 6, 1985, at the American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was headlined by some of the top stars of the NWA. The outdoor event, promoted by Jim Crockett Promotions, drew over 27,000 fans and blended patriotic spectacle with classic southern wrestling. The show featured a mix of championship matches, hard-hitting tag team bouts, and wild brawls, including Magnum T.A. defending the United States Heavyweight Title against Kamala and a chaotic six-man tag with Sam Houston, Manny Fernandez and Buzz Tyler picking up a win over Billy Graham, Abdullah the Butcher, and Konga the Barbarian.

SCOTT KEITH REVIEWS: NWA The Great American Bash 1985

The main attractions of the night were two marquee matches: Ric Flair retained the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Nikita Koloff in a bout officiated by special guest referee David Crockett, and Dusty Rhodes defeated Tully Blanchard inside a steel cage to capture the NWA World Television Championship. Elsewhere on the card, The Andersons successfully defended the National Tag Team Titles, and The Road Warriors fought to a draw with The Russian Team in a World Tag Team Title match. Though the show wasn’t a pay-per-view in the traditional sense, it set the tone for what the Bash would become – a signature event rooted in big fights, big characters, and big crowds.

The American Dream Comes True At The Great American Bash (1986)

• Dates: July 1, 1986 – August 2, 1986
• Locations: various venues

The Great American Bash 1986 wasn’t a single event, but rather a full-blown summer tour that stretched across 13 shows between July 1 and August 2. Jim Crockett Promotions expanded the concept significantly from the previous year, turning the Bash into a huge supercard that hit major cities across the Carolinas, Georgia, and beyond. Each stop featured variations of the card, but the main storyline centered on the rising tension between Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes, culminating in multiple steel cage matches for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. In Greensboro on July 26, Rhodes defeated Flair to win the title – a moment that became one of the most memorable in Bash history.

The tour also featured a mix of championship bouts, grudge matches, and specialty attractions like scaffold matches, bunkhouse brawls, and more. Key feuds included Magnum T.A. vs. Nikita Koloff for the U.S. Title, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express vs. The Midnight Express in their heated tag rivalry, and appearances from the Road Warriors, Arn Anderson, and Baby Doll. The scale and ambition of the 1986 Bash set a new standard for wrestling tours at the time, offering fans not just one supercard, but an entire summer worth of marquee matchups, angles, and memorable moments. It remains one of the most unique and celebrated formats in wrestling history.

WarGames Takes Over The Great American Bash (1987)

• Dates: July 1, 1987 – July 31, 1987
• Locations: various venues

The Great American Bash 1987 took the touring concept to its peak, with Jim Crockett Promotions running 27 events across the entire month of July. The scope was massive: from July 1 to July 31, the Bash hit nearly every key territory city in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern circuits. Unlike the previous year’s tour, which had a clear narrative arc built around Flair vs. Rhodes, the 1987 edition focused more on delivering top-tier matches in each market, often with localized main events. Still, Ric Flair remained the centerpiece, defending the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against a rotating cast of challengers including Jimmy Garvin, Barry Windham, and Dusty Rhodes.

One of the most notable matches came on July 4 in Atlanta’s Omni, where the first-ever WarGames match took place. The Road Warriors, Dusty Rhodes, Nikita Koloff & Paul Ellering faced off against The Four Horsemen (Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Lex Luger & J.J. Dillon) in a brutal, chaotic bout that became an instant classic and spawned a legacy of its own. The tour also featured continued rivalries like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express vs. The Midnight Express and Magnum T.A.’s “successor” Nikita Koloff climbing the card as a babyface. Though the structure could feel repetitive in spots, the 1987 Bash captured the chaotic, territorial energy of JCP at full speed – just months before the national wrestling landscape would start to shift dramatically.

The Great American Bash Becomes A PPV (1988)

• Date: July 10, 1988
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 6.65
• PPV buys: 190,000

NWA The Great American Bash 1988 Results

1. Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Sting & Nikita Koloff for the NWA World Tag Team Championship ended in a 20-minute time limit draw (Arn & Tully retained the title)
2. The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) def. The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers) to retain the NWA United States Tag Team Championship
3. Dr. Death Steve Williams, The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal), Ron Garvin & Jimmy Garvin def. Kevin Sullivan, Ivan Koloff, Mike Rotunda, Al Perez & The Russian Assassin in a Tower of Doom Match
4. Barry Windham def. Dusty Rhodes to retain the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship
5. Ric Flair def. Lex Luger by referee stoppage to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship

The 1988 edition of The Great American Bash, the first held on pay-per-view, delivered a blend of exciting tag team matches and two major singles title bouts between heated rivals. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard clashed with Sting and Nikita Koloff for the NWA World Tag Team Titles in a 20-minute technical showcase that ended in a time-limit draw. While the challengers pushed the champions to their limit, the Four Horsemen duo retained by surviving rather than dominating, as usual. Elsewhere in the tag division, The Midnight Express (Eaton and Lane) continued their run of tag team excellence, defeating The Fantastics in a hard-fought battle to retain the NWA United States Tag Team Championship.

The night also featured chaos and spectacle in the infamous Tower of Doom Match, where ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams, The Road Warriors, and the Garvins overcame the fivesome of Kevin Sullivan, Ivan Koloff, Mike Rotunda, Al Perez, and The Russian Assassin. In the singles division, Barry Windham solidified his breakout year with a major win over Dusty Rhodes to retain the U.S. Heavyweight Title, using underhanded tactics to keep his momentum rolling. The main event saw ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair once again escape with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship – this time thanks to referee stoppage against Lex Luger. In a finish that stirred controversy and outrage, the match was halted due to Luger’s excessive bleeding, allowing Flair to walk away still champion, despite mounting offense from the popular challenger.

A Wild Terry Funk Challenges Ric Flair At The Great American Bash (1989)

• Date: July 23, 1989
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 8.18
• PPV buys: 140,000

NWA The Great American Bash 1989 Results

1. The Skyscrapers (Sid Vicious and Danny Spivey) won the King of the Hill Double Ring Battle Royal
2. Flyin’ Brian Pillman def. Wild Bill Irwin
3. The Skyscrapers (Sid Vicious & Danny Spivey) def. The Dynamic Dudes (Shane Douglas & Johnny Ace)
4. Jim Cornette def. Paul E. Dangerously in a Tuxedo Match
5. The Steiners (Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) def. The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan & Mike Rotunda) in a Texas Tornado Tag Team Match
6. Sting vs. The Great Muta for the NWA World Television Championship ended in a draw
7. Lex Luger def. Ricky Steamboat by DQ to retain the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship
8. ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams, The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) & The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) def. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Jimmy Garvin) & The Samoan SWAT Team (Samu & Fatu) in a WarGames Match
9. Ric Flair def. Terry Funk to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship

The Great American Bash 1989 isn’t just the best Great American Bash event of all time, it is also one of the greatest pay-per-views in wrestling history. The night opened with the chaotic King of the Hill Double Ring Battle Royal, won by The Skyscrapers, who also pulled double duty by later defeating The Dynamic Dudes in a hard-hitting tag match that showcased their dominance. Truth be told, these were the worst matches on the card. Flyin’ Brian Pillman picked up a strong win over Wild Bill Irwin, building early momentum in his rising WCW career. In one of the more unusual attractions of the night, Jim Cornette and Paul E. Dangerously battled in a tuxedo match, with Cornette earning a messy but satisfying win over his rival in a match that was better than it had any right to be!

SCOTT KEITH REVIEWS: NWA The Great American Bash 1989

The action ramped up with a Texas Tornado Tag Team match where the Steiner Brothers outlasted the Varsity Club in a wild brawl, continuing their ascent as a top-tier tag team. Speaking of rising stars, Sting fought The Great Muta to a draw for the NWA World Television Championship in a fast-paced bout. Lex Luger retained the United States Title via disqualification against Ricky Steamboat in a match heavy in storytelling and in-ring psychology. The WarGames match brought carnage and chaos, with ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams, The Road Warriors, and The Midnight Express defeating the combined forces of the Fabulous Freebirds and the Samoan SWAT Team in a crowd-pleasing encounter. Capping off the night, Ric Flair successfully defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Terry Funk in a fiery main event that blended personal animosity with in-ring brilliance, proving The Nature Boy could be a great babyface too.

Sting Wins His First World Title At The Great American Bash (1990)

• Date: July 7, 1990
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 6.23
• PPV buys: 200,000

NWA The Great American Bash 1990 Results

1. Flyin’ Brian Pillman def. Buddy Landel
2. Mike Rotunda def. The Iron Sheik
3. Doug Furnas def. Dutch Mantel
4. Harley Race def. Tommy Rich
5. The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) def. The Southern Boys (Steve Armstrong & Tracy Smothers) to retain the NWA United States Tag Team Championship
6. Big Van Vader def. The Z-Man
7. The Steiners (Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) def. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin)
8. El Gigante, Paul Orndorff & Junkyard Dog def. The Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Sid Vicious) by DQ
9. Lex Luger def. Mean Mark Callous to retain the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship
10. Doom (Ron Simmons & Butch Reed) def. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championship
11. Sting def. Ric Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship

The 1990 edition of The Great American Bash marked a changing of the guard, as new stars emerged and one of wrestling’s most iconic rivalries reached its turning point. The undercard featured a mix of established veterans and rising talent, with Flyin’ Brian scoring a win over Buddy Landel in a solid opening bout. Mike Rotunda picked up a win over The Iron Sheik, who’d rejoin the WWF a few months later. Doug Furnas edged out Dutch Mantel in a physical contest, and Harley Race turned back the clock with a victory over Tommy Rich. The Midnight Express retained their United States Tag Team Titles against the Southern Boys in a tremendous tag bout, blending smooth teamwork with fierce intensity. Meanwhile, Big Van Vader made his WCW debut in dominant fashion, absolutely destroying Tom Zenk and instantly establishing himself as a monster.

The tag division stayed red-hot as The Steiner Brothers defeated The Fabulous Freebirds in a high-energy showdown, while Doom held on to the World Tag Team Championship by knocking off the legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Express in a battle of power versus speed. In six-man action, El Gigante teamed with Paul Orndorff and Junkyard Dog to beat The Horsemen by DQ in another attempt to get El Gigante over. Lex Luger successfully defended the United States Title against a young Mean Mark Callous – the future Undertaker – in a decent affair. But the biggest moment came in the main event, where Sting finally overcame Ric Flair to capture the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Two years after their meeting at the first Clash of the Champions, Sting’s victory felt like the passing of a torch and a statement that WCW’s future had arrived.

The Great American Bash Everyone Wants To Forget (1991)

• Date: July 14, 1991
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 2.18
• PPV buys: 145,000

WCW The Great American Bash 1991 Results

1. Bobby Eaton & PN News def. Stunning Steve Austin & Terrance Taylor in a Tag Team Scaffold Match
2. The Diamond Studd def. The Z-Man
3. Ron Simmons def. Oz
4. Richard Morton def. Robert Gibson
5. Dustin Rhodes & The Young Pistols (Steve Armstrong & Tracy Smothers) def. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Jimmy Garvin & Badstreet) in a Six Man Elimination Tag Team Match
6. “The Yellow Dog” def. Johnny B. Badd by DQ
7. Big Josh def. Black Blood in a Lumberjack Match
8. El Gigante def. One Man Gang
9. Nikita Koloff def. Sting in a Russian Chain Match
10. Lex Luger def. Barry Windham in a Steel Cage Match for the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship
11. Rick Steiner def. Arn Anderson & Paul E. Dangerously in a Handicap Steel Cage Match

There’s no other way to say it: The 1991 Great American Bash was a disaster. The show opened with a Tag Team Scaffold Match that saw Bobby Eaton and PN News defeat Stunning Steve Austin and Terrance Taylor in a horrible match with the participants visibly scared to death. The Diamond Studd, early in his WCW run and still far from his Razor Ramon persona, picked up a win over The Z-Man, while Ron Simmons made quick work of Oz in a forgettable outing that at least gave Simmons a strong spotlight. In a nod to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express rivalry, Ricky Richard Morton (newly aligned with Alexandra York) defeated Robert Gibson in a disappointing matchup that lacked the usual spark of their classic encounters.

Elsewhere on the card, Dustin Rhodes and The Young Pistols earned a feel-good win over The Fabulous Freebirds and Badstreet in a six-man elimination bout, while The Yellow Dog (Brian Pillman under a mask) got a DQ victory over Johnny B. Badd. Big Josh outlasted Black Blood in a lumberjack match that leaned more on chaos than clarity, and El Gigante (still trying to get over in WCW…) continued his streak of wins by defeating One Man Gang. One of the night’s most intense showdowns saw Nikita Koloff defeat Sting in a brutal Russian Chain Match, continuing his comeback tour with a major victory. The main event was steeped in drama, as Lex Luger defeated Barry Windham inside a steel cage to win the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship, following Ric Flair’s sudden departure from the company. While Luger’s win was meant to usher in a new top star, the crowd’s lukewarm reaction and the cloud of Flair’s absence hung heavy over the moment. In the post-main event slot, Rick Steiner beat Arn Anderson and Paul E. Dangerously in a steel cage handicap match, closing the show with a decisive—and slightly bizarre—statement.

The Great American Bash Presents Sting Vs Vader For The First Time (1992)

• Date: July 12, 1992
• Location: Albany, Georgia (Albany Civic Center)
• Cagematch rating: 5.54
• PPV buys: 70,000

WCW The Great American Bash 1992 Results

1. Ricky Steamboat & Nikita Koloff def. Flyin’ Brian Pillman & Jushin Thunder Liger in a Tournament Quarter Final Match to crown the inaugural NWA World Tag Team Champions
2. Hiroshi Hase & Shinya Hashimoto def. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin) in a Tournament Quarter Final Match to crown the inaugural NWA World Tag Team Champions
3. Barry Windham & Dustin Rhodes def. The Dangerous Alliance (Rick Rude & Stunning Steve Austin) in a Tournament Quarter Final Match to crown the inaugural NWA World Tag Team Champions
4. The Miracle Violence Connection (Terry Gordy & ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams) def. Ricky Steamboat & Nikita Koloff in a Tournament Semi Final Match to crown the inaugural NWA World Tag Team Champions
5. Barry Windham & Dustin Rhodes def. Hiroshi Hase & Shinya Hashimoto in a Tournament Semi Final Match to crown the inaugural NWA World Tag Team Champions
6. Big Van Vader def. Sting to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
7. The Miracle Violence Connection (Terry Gordy & ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams) def. Barry Windham & Dustin Rhodes in a Tournament Final Match to crown the inaugural NWA World Tag Team Champions

The Great American Bash 1992 should’ve been a slam dunk – after all, it featured a world title match between two of WCW’s biggest stars that had a tremendous build. Instead, the show ended up feeling bloated and directionless. The idea of crowning new NWA World Tag Team Champions wasn’t exciting, since the WCW/NWA partnership had ended less than 2 years earlier. Sure, there were good matches, as Ricky Steamboat and Nikita Koloff had a solid opener against Pillman and Liger, and Windham & Rhodes vs. Austin & Rude delivered as expected, but much of the rest felt flat or repetitive. By the time The Miracle Violence Connection (Terry Gordy & ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams) captured the belts by defeating Windham & Rhodes in the final, nobody was reacting or paying any attention.

The real reason to watch this show is, without question, Sting vs. Big Van Vader. This wasn’t just a title match – it was a physical, story-driven slugfest that saw Vader dominate Sting en route to winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. It’s the kind of bout that still holds up decades later and deserves all the praise it gets. But outside of that, Bash ‘92 felt like a chore to sit through. A few tournament matches had potential, but stretched across an entire PPV, it ended up being more of a slog than a showcase. Watch the title change and skip the rest; it’s as simple as that.

WCW Brings Back The Great American Bash (1995)

• Date: June 18, 1995
• Location: Dayton, Ohio (Hara Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 5.22
• PPV buys: 100,000

WCW The Great American Bash 1995 Results

1. Alex Wright def. Brian Pillman
2. Dave Sullivan def. Diamond Dallas Page in an Arm Wrestling Match
3. Hacksaw Jim Duggan def. Sgt. Craig Pittman by DQ
4. Harlem Heat (Booker T & Stevie Ray) def. Dick Slater & Bunkhouse Buck
5. The Renegade def. Arn Anderson for the WCW World Television Championship
6. The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Sags) def. The Blue Bloods (Lord Steven Regal & Earl Robert Eaton) to retain the WCW World Tag Team Championship
7. Sting def. Meng in a Tournament Final Match for the vacant WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
8. Ric Flair def. Randy Savage

After a two-year hiatus, The Great American Bash returned in June 1995, as WCW looked to re-establish its traditional pay-per-view calendar amid growing competition with the WWF. The event took place in Dayton, Ohio, and featured a mix of established names and up-and-coming talent – though the booking leaned heavily on “spectacle” over substance. Ric Flair headlined the show against Randy Savage in their first WCW singles encounter, delivering a solid if slightly overbooked main event that reinforced Flair’s role as the company’s top heel. Sting defeated Meng in the finals of a U.S. Title tournament to claim the vacant championship, while Harlem Heat picked up a relatively routine win in a tag bout earlier in the night. Elsewhere, Alex Wright notched a win over Brian Pillman in a relatively strong opener.

SCOTT KEITH REVIEWS: WCW The Great American Bash 1995

Still, much of the undercard was weighed down by strange creative choices and mismatched pacing. Dave Sullivan beat Diamond Dallas Page in an arm wrestling contest on a wrestling pay-per-view, and Jim Duggan’s disqualification win over Sgt. Craig Pittman failed to spark the crowd. The most baffling moment of the night came when The Renegade – a green, one-dimensional Ultimate Warrior knockoff – defeated Arn Anderson for the Television Title in a widely panned decision that would age poorly almost immediately. The Nasty Boys retained their tag titles in a brawl-heavy match with the Blue Bloods, but by the end of the night, the tone of the event felt closer to WCW Saturday Night filler than a major PPV. While the show had its moments, Bash ‘95 marked a transitional point for WCW – caught between old habits and the brewing storm of the nWo era just around the corner.

The Great American Bash Is No Bash At The Beach (1996)

• Date: June 16, 1996
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 7.00
• PPV buys: 170,000

WCW The Great American Bash 1996 Results

1. The Steiners (Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) def. Fire & Ice (Scott Norton & Ice Train)
2. Konnan def. El Gato to retain the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
3. Diamond Dallas Page def. Marcus Alexander Bagwell
4. Dean Malenko def. Rey Misterio Jr. for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
5. John Tenta def. Big Bubba Rogers
6. Chris Benoit def. Kevin Sullivan in a Falls Count Anywhere Match
7. Sting def. Lord Steven Regal
8. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson def. Steve McMichael & Kevin Greene
9. The Giant def. Lex Luger to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

The Great American Bash 1996 arrived at a pivotal moment for WCW, just days after Scott Hall’s infamous “outsider” debut on Nitro, and the card reflected a company slowly turning the corner creatively. The show opened with a stiff, physical tag match as The Steiner Brothers defeated Fire & Ice in a battle of powerhouses. Konnan retained the United States Heavyweight Championship in a forgettable bout with El Gato, while DDP continued his slow-burn ascent up the card with a win over Marcus Alexander Bagwell. The real spark came from WCW’s exciting cruiserweight division, as Dean Malenko and a debuting Rey Misterio Jr. delivered a fast-paced clinic that introduced a new era of athleticism to American audiences. Meanwhile, John Tenta (formerly Earthquake in the WWF) scored a grudge win over Big Bubba Rogers in one of the night’s colder matches.

The second half of the show shifted gears dramatically, with Chris Benoit and Kevin Sullivan engaging in a wild, arena-wide brawl that blurred the lines between storyline and real-life tension, thanks in part to the simmering backstage drama involving Woman (Nancy Sullivan… the soon-to-be Nancy Benoit). Sting followed with a well-received technical showcase against Lord Steven Regal, offering a rare stylistic departure from his usual high-impact matches. In the semi-main event, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson – backed by Woman and Elizabeth – defeated NFL stars Steve McMichael and Kevin Greene in a celebrity tag match that turned out far better than expected, especially after McMichael shockingly turned on Greene and joined The Four Horsemen. The Giant closed the show with a dominant WCW World Title defense over Lex Luger, further solidifying his place atop the heel hierarchy. Taken as a whole, Bash ’96 was one of the strongest cards of the pre-nWo era, an early warning shot that WCW was evolving fast and had the talent depth to compete at every level. With that said, the only ‘Bash’ that fans remember from 1996… is Bash at the Beach!

Randy Savage & DDP Main Event The Great American Bash (1997)

• Date: June 15, 1997
• Location: Moline, Illinois (Mark of the Quad Cities Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 5.71
• PPV buys: 220,000

WCW The Great American Bash 1997 Results

1. Ultimo Dragon def. Psychosis
2. Harlem Heat (Booker T & Stevie Ray) def. The Steiners (Rick & Scott Steiner) by DQ
3. Konnan def. Hugh Morrus
4. Glacier def. Wrath
5. Akira Hokuto def. Madusa in a Title vs. Career Match for the WCW Women’s Championship
6. Chris Benoit def. Meng in a Death Match
7. Kevin Greene def. Steve McMichael
8. The Outsiders (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall) def. Ric Flair & Roddy Piper to retain the WCW World Tag Team Championship
9. Randy Savage def. Diamond Dallas Page in a Falls Count Anywhere Match

By mid-1997, WCW was fully entrenched in the Monday Night War, and The Great American Bash reflected both the positives and negatives of the red-hot Atlanta-based promotion. Held in Moline, Illinois, the show kicked off with a crisp, high-energy bout between Ultimo Dragon and Psychosis – a cruiserweight showcase that continued to highlight WCW’s unmatched international talent pool. Harlem Heat picked up a DQ win over the Steiner Brothers in a physical tag match marred by a weak finish, while Konnan earned a decisive win over Hugh Morrus in a short undercard outing. Glacier’s feud with the Mortal Kombat-inspired Wrath continued with another unremarkable win for the icy babyface, though the crowd remained lukewarm on the gimmick. In the only women’s match of the night, Akira Hokuto defeated Madusa in a Title vs. Career match, sending the former WWF Women’s Champion into storyline retirement.

The card’s second half leaned heavily into brawling and long-simmering grudges. Chris Benoit and Meng brutalized each other in a stiff, no-frills “Death Match” that ended with Benoit choking Meng unconscious in the Crippler Crossface – a payoff to their Dungeon of Doom rivalry. Kevin Greene got his revenge on Steve McMichael in a rematch from the prior year, capitalizing on Mongo’s ongoing tensions with the Horsemen. The Outsiders retained the WCW Tag Team Titles in a main event-level tag team attraction against Ric Flair and Roddy Piper, though the match was more about personalities than workrate. The real headliner came last, as Randy Savage and Diamond Dallas Page tore into each other in a wild, arena-spanning Falls Count Anywhere match that cemented DDP’s rise as a legitimate main event player. While not as consistent as Bash ‘96, this year’s event still delivered memorable moments – especially in the ongoing war between WCW originals and the nWo.

The Great American Bash Finally Gives Us Hulk Hogan & Bret Hart… Teaming Up!? (1998)

• Date: June 14, 1998
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 6.15
• PPV buys: 290,000

WCW The Great American Bash 1998 Results

1. Booker T def. Chris Benoit in Match #7 of a Best of Seven Series to determine the No. 1 Contender for the WCW World Television Championship later that night
2. Kanyon def. Saturn
3. Chris Jericho def. Dean Malenko by DQ to win the vacant WCW Cruiserweight Championship
4. Juventud Guerrera def. Reese
5. Chavo Guerrero Jr. def. Eddie Guerrero
6. Booker T def. Fit Finlay to win the WCW World Television Championship
7. Goldberg def. Konnan to retain the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
8. Hollywood Hogan & Bret Hart def. Randy Savage & Roddy Piper
9. Roddy Piper def. Randy Savage
10. Sting def. The Giant for full control of the WCW World Tag Team Championship

The Great American Bash 1998 came at a chaotic time in WCW’s creative cycle – with rising stars, fractured stables, and the looming shadow of Goldberg’s undefeated streak all colliding in a show that mixed compelling in-ring action with muddled booking. Booker T kicked off the night with a hard-fought win over Chris Benoit in the decisive match of their Best of Seven Series, earning a shot at Fit Finlay’s Television Title later in the evening – which he would go on to win, completing a breakout night for one of WCW’s most consistent performers. Elsewhere on the undercard, Kanyon upset Saturn in a bout that leaned heavily on interference and post-match chaos, while Juventud Guerrera picked up a clean victory over the towering Reese in a short but energetic David vs Goliath encounter. Chris Jericho and Dean Malenko’s ongoing rivalry reached a controversial crescendo when Malenko lost his temper and got disqualified, allowing Jericho to reclaim the vacant Cruiserweight Championship in a cheap way.

Family tensions boiled over as Chavo Guerrero Jr. scored a surprising win over Eddie Guerrero in a brief yet emotionally charged contest, showcasing Chavo’s growing confidence and Eddie’s slow-burn heel meltdown. Goldberg continued his meteoric rise with a dominant win over Konnan to retain the U.S. Title, further fueling speculation about a world title shot (that would come less than a month later). The top of the card, however, was a mess of overbooking. Hollywood Hogan and Bret Hart teamed up to defeat Randy Savage and Roddy Piper, only for Piper and Savage to wrestle each other immediately afterward in a sloppy, overlong brawl that did neither veteran any favors. The show closed with Sting defeating The Giant to gain full control of the WCW World Tag Team Titles, a match notable more for the odd stipulation than the action itself. Bash ’98 had strong individual matches and major storyline implications, but was weighed down by repetitive main event formulas and an increasingly bloated narrative.

The Great American Bash Loses Its Magic (1999)

• Date: June 13, 1999
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 1.94
• PPV buys: 185,000

WCW The Great American Bash 1999 Results

1. Hak def. Brian Knobbs in a Hardcore Match
2. Van Hammer def. Mikey Whipwreck
3. Buff Bagwell def. Disco Inferno
4. The No Limit Soldiers (Konnan & Rey Misterio Jr.) def. The West Texas Rednecks (Curt Hennig & Bobby Duncum Jr.)
5. Ernest Miller def. Horace Hogan
6. Ric Flair def. Roddy Piper by DQ
7. Rick Steiner def. Sting in a Falls Count Anywhere Match
8. The Jersey Traid (Diamond Dallas Page & Chris Kanyon) def. Chris Benoit & Perry Saturn to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship
9. Kevin Nash def. Randy Savage by DQ to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

By 1999, WCW was well into its creative decline, and The Great American Bash that year was a prime example of the company’s growing identity crisis. The show opened with a chaotic (not a compliment…) Hardcore Match, where Hak defeated Brian Knobbs in a sloppy brawl that leaned more on noise than impact. Van Hammer picked up a win over ECW alum Mikey Whipwreck in a cold, one-sided match, while Buff Bagwell got a mild crowd reaction with a win over Disco Inferno. One of the few highlights of the undercard saw The No Limit Soldiers defeat the West Texas Rednecks in a fast-paced tag match that kicked off the infamous rap vs. country feud. Elsewhere, Ernest “The Cat” Miller’s win over Horace Hogan did little for either man, and Ric Flair’s DQ victory over Roddy Piper to regain the presidency of WCW added more confusion to the company’s increasingly nonsensical authority storylines.

Things didn’t improve much as the card progressed. Rick Steiner beat Sting in a Falls Count Anywhere match that felt sluggish and disjointed, hurt by an anticlimactic finish and questionable booking of Sting, one of WCW’s last true babyfaces. In tag team action, The Jersey Triad captured the WCW Tag Team Championship from Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn in a match that had talent but was hampered by interference and overbooking. The main event saw Kevin Nash defend the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Savage, but the match ended in yet another disqualification, continuing the company’s frustrating trend of non-finishes in pay-per-view main events. Despite some solid in-ring talent on the card, Bash ‘99 felt directionless – a mid-year snapshot of a promotion leaning too hard on swerves, aging stars, and crowd-confusing angles at the expense of coherent storytelling. And the worst part about it… Vince Russo was still in the WWF!

WCW’s Last The Great American Bash Event (2000)

• Date: June 11, 2000
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 1.52
• PPV buys: 85,000

WCW The Great American Bash 2000 Results

1. Lieutenant Loco def. Disqo to retain the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
2. KroniK (Brian Adams & Bryan Clark) def. The Mamalukes (Big Vito & Johnny The Bull) to determine the No. 1 Contenders for the WCW World Tag Team Championship
3. Mike Awesome def. Diamond Dallas Page in an Ambulance Match
4. GI Bro def. Shawn Stasiak in a Boot Camp Match
5. Shane Douglas def. The Wall in a Tables Match
6. Scott Steiner def. Rick Steiner & Tank Abbott in a Handicap Asylum Match to retain the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
7. Hulk Hogan def. Billy Kidman with Horace Hogan as the special guest referee
8. Vampiro def. Sting in a Human Torch Match
9. Jeff Jarrett def. Kevin Nash to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

The Great American Bash 2000 landed during one of the most chaotic periods in WCW history, with Vince Russo’s crash TV philosophy in full effect and the company’s booking often bordering on absurd. The show opened with a solid Cruiserweight Title defense as Lieutenant Loco (Chavo Guerrero) defeated Disqo (Disco Inferno) in one of the few grounded matches of the night. From there, things quickly devolved into gimmick-heavy mayhem. KroniK earned a shot at the tag titles by defeating The Mamalukes in a hard-hitting but forgettable brawl, while Mike Awesome bested Diamond Dallas Page in a forgettable Ambulance Match. GI Bro – Booker T – picked up a win over Shawn Stasiak in a Boot Camp Match, and Shane Douglas defeated The Wall in a Tables Match, both of which felt like relics of a promotion desperate for attention.

The second half of the card was even more bizarre. Scott Steiner retained the United States Heavyweight Championship in a Handicap Asylum Match against his brother Rick and Tank Abbott, a convoluted cage match that delivered more confusion than intensity. Hulk Hogan defeated Billy Kidman – in a program that never quite clicked – with Horace Hogan as the special referee, an angle that tried and failed to elevate Kidman to main event status. Vampiro and Sting squared off in a “Human Torch Match” that ended with Sting being “set on fire” and tossed off the TurnerTron in a stunt that was more spectacle than substance. In the main event, Jeff Jarrett retained the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Kevin Nash in a match overshadowed by interference and swerves. Bash 2000 was a trainwreck of clashing tones, recycled tropes, and baffling creative; a final, flaming chapter in the pay-per-view legacy of The Great American Bash under WCW’s banner.

JBL Wins The WWE Championship At WWE’s First Great American Bash (2004)

• Date: June 27, 2004
• Location: Norfolk, Virginia (Norfolk Scope)
• Cagematch rating: 2.82
• PPV buys: 238,000

WWE The Great American Bash 2004 Results

1. John Cena def. Rob Van Dam, Booker T and Rene Dupree in a Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match to retain the WWE United States Championship
2. Luther Reigns def. Charlie Haas
3. Rey Mysterio def. Chavo Guerrero to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
4. Kenzo Suzuki def. Billy Gunn
5. Sable def. Torrie Wilson
6. Mordecai def. Hardcore Holly
7. JBL def. Eddie Guerrero in a Texas Bullrope Match to win the WWE Championship
8. The Undertaker def. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley) in a Handicap Concrete Crypt Match

After a four-year absence and WCW’s demise, The Great American Bash was resurrected by WWE in 2004 as a SmackDown-exclusive pay-per-view, though its revival was met with more curiosity than acclaim. The card opened with a fun Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match, where John Cena retained the United States Championship against Rob Van Dam, Booker T, and Rene Dupree in a hard-fought bout that showcased Cena as one of WWE’s fastest rising stars. Rey Mysterio also delivered in a Cruiserweight Title defense against Chavo Guerrero, continuing their long-running rivalry with another slick performance. However, the rest of the undercard sagged with forgettable or poorly received matches: Luther Reigns vs Charlie Haas, Kenzo Suzuki vs Billy Gunn and Mordecai vs Hardcore Holly would feel flat on an episode of SmackDown, let alone on PPV. The women’s match (Sable vs. Torrie Wilson) was treated more as a segment than a serious contest.

The show’s final stretch leaned heavily on gimmicks and spectacle, for better or worse. JBL won his first WWE Championship in a Texas Bullrope Match against Eddie Guerrero, ending Eddie’s beloved title reign in a bloody battle featuring a controversial and well-executed finish, where then-SmackDown General Manager Kurt Angle cost Latino Heat the strap. The main event, however, turned heads for all the wrong reasons: The Undertaker defeated The Dudley Boyz in a Handicap “Concrete Crypt” Match – a bizarre stipulation where Paul Bearer was encased in a glass tomb with the threat of being buried in cement if Undertaker lost. Despite winning, Undertaker pulled the lever himself, essentially “murdering” Bearer in front of the whole world. It was supposed to be a dramatic moment, but it was simply ridiculous. While the likes of Cena, Mysterio, and Guerrero did their best to anchor the show, The Great American Bash 2004 was ultimately remembered more for its questionable tone and over-reliance on gimmickry than any sustained wrestling quality.

WWE Doesn’t Know What To Do With The Great American Bash (2005)

• Date: July 24, 2005
• Location: Buffalo, New York (HSBC Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 3.48
• PPV buys: 280,000

WWE The Great American Bash 2005 Results

1. The Legion of Doom (Animal & Heidenreich) def. MNM (Joey Mercury & Johnny Nitro) to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship
2. Booker T def. Christian
3. Orlando Jordan def. Chris Benoit to retain the WWE United States Championship
4. The Undertaker def. Muhammad Hassan to determine the No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam
5. The Mexicools (Juventud, Super Crazy & Psicosis) def. The bWo (Stevie Richards, The Blue Meanie & Nova)
6. Rey Mysterio def. Eddie Guerrero
7. Melina def. Torrie Wilson in a Bra and Panties Match with Candice Michelle as the special guest referee
8. JBL def. Batista by DQ for the World Heavyweight Championship (Batista retained the title)

The Great American Bash 2005 saw WWE continue to use the revived brand as a SmackDown-exclusive event, delivering a card that mixed hot rivalries with crappy booking. The show opened with a somewhat nostalgic title defense as The Legion of Doom – now with Heidenreich joining Animal – defeated MNM to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship. Booker T picked up a clean win over Christian in a midcard bout that never left second gear, while Orlando Jordan retained the United States Championship against Chris Benoit in what was Orlando’s “Billy Gunn test”, as Scott Keith described it while writing for Inside Pulse years ago. One of the night’s most controversial moments came when The Undertaker defeated Muhammad Hassan to become the No. 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. The match was overshadowed by the backlash to Hassan’s character and the post-match angle, which saw ‘Taker destroy Hassan in a beatdown that effectively wrote him off television following real-life controversy. Undertaker never got his title shot at SummerSlam, as Hassan was reportedly supposed to win the Big Gold Belt at the event, making their bout a bit pointless in the long run.

Elsewhere, The Mexicools – a trio of talented lucha veterans in a gimmick that walked the line between edgy and offensive – picked up a win over the bWo. Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero once again stole the show with another emotionally charged chapter in their heated rivalry, this time with the added tension of Guerrero threatening to reveal a secret about Mysterio’s son, Dominik. In the night’s low point, Melina defeated Torrie Wilson in a Bra and Panties Match with Candice Michelle as guest referee – a reminder of WWE’s booking of the Divas division during the Ruthless Aggression Era. The finish of the main event sucked, as Batista retained the World Heavyweight Title by disqualification after JBL provoked a cheap DQ which extended their program into SummerSlam. While Bash ’05 had some strong matches and high-profile storylines, it suffered from uneven pacing and a handful of questionable creative decisions (and real-life reasons) that left the show feeling more transitional than memorable.

A King Is Crowned At WWE The Great American Bash (2006)

• Date: July 23, 2006
• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (Conseco Fieldhouse)
• Cagematch rating: 5.32
• PPV buys: 232,000

WWE The Great American Bash 2006 Results

1. Londrick (Paul London & Brian Kendrick) def. The Pit Bulls (Jamie Noble & Kid Kash) to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship
2. Finlay def. William Regal to retain the WWE United States Championship
3. Gregory Helms def. Matt Hardy
4. The Undertaker def. Big Show in a Punjabi Prison Match
5. Ashley Massaro def. Jillian Hall, Michelle McCool and Kristal Marshall in a Fatal 4 Way Bra and Panties Match
6. Mr. Kennedy def. Batista by DQ
7. King Booker def. Rey Mysterio to win the World Heavyweight Championship

The Great American Bash 2006 was a night dominated by elevated liver enzymes, causing WWE to change several featured matches. Paul London and Brian Kendrick opened the show with a high-energy WWE Tag Team Championship defense against The Pit Bulls, in one of the night’s few highlights. The other good bouts were: Finlay vs William Regal in a hard-hitting U.S. Title match that showcased their gritty, technical style, capped off by Finlay’s use of his shillelagh to retain; and then-Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms beating Matt Hardy in a non-title match. Originally slated to feature The Great Khali, the Punjabi Prison Match was reworked at the last minute due to Khali’s medical issues, with Big Show stepping in to face The Undertaker. The structure was unique since it had never been seen before, but it didn’t take long for everyone to realize this match type is visually awkward.

SCOTT KEITH REVIEWS: WWE The Great American Bash 2006

From there, the show dipped sharply in quality. Ashley Massaro won a four-way Bra and Panties Match that played like a dated time capsule of WWE’s mid-2000s treatment of its women’s division. In another disappointment, Mr. Kennedy scored a disqualification win over Batista, a result that did neither man any favors and felt more like storyline stall than forward momentum. The main event saw King Booker defeat Rey Mysterio to win the World Heavyweight Championship, ending Rey’s underdog title reign with a big assist from Chavo Guerrero. While Booker’s coronation launched a memorable heel character run, the match itself didn’t quite deliver a satisfying payoff. Bash ‘06 had flashes of promise, particularly in its undercard title matches, but ultimately felt like a disjointed event weighed down by overbooking, poor pacing, and presentation choices that hadn’t aged well even at the time. Still, it was enough to be WWE’s best Great American Bash until then.

The American Dream Returns To The Great American Bash (2007)

• Date: July 22, 2007
• Location: San Jose, California (HP Pavilion)
• Cagematch rating: 5.41
• PPV buys: 250,000

WWE The Great American Bash 2007 Results

1. MVP def. Matt Hardy to retain the WWE United States Championship
2. Hornswoggle def. Chavo Guerrero, Funaki, Jamie Noble, Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang in a Cruiserweight Open to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
3. Carlito def. The Sandman in a Singapore Cane on a Pole Match
4. Candice Michelle def. Melina to retain the WWE Women’s Championship
5. Umaga def. Jeff Hardy to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship
6. John Morrison def. CM Punk to retain the ECW World Championship
7. Randy Orton def. Dusty Rhodes in a Texas Bullrope Match
8. The Great Khali def. Batista and Kane in a triple threat match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship
9. John Cena def. Bobby Lashley to retain the WWE Championship

After WrestleMania 23, WWE’s brand-exclusive pay-per-views were no more. Thus, The Great American Bash 2007 marked the first time the revived event featured talent from all three WWE brands — Raw, SmackDown, and ECW. The card delivered solid action across the board, but it’s perhaps best remembered for one of the most bizarre title changes in company history! We’ll get there soon. First, MVP and Matt Hardy kicked things off with another chapter in their well-paced feud, as MVP retained the U.S. Title in a match that balanced athleticism with their building personal rivalry. But the Cruiserweight Open that followed quickly veered into comedy when Hornswoggle – an unannounced participant – snuck in at the end to pin Jamie Noble and win Chavo Guerrero’s Cruiserweight Championship. While it was funny, the division became a joke and it eventually led to the death of the original WCW/WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Carlito picked up a forgettable win over The Sandman in a pole match that felt straight out of the Attitude Era midcard playbook, while Candice Michelle retained the Women’s Title against Melina in a short, serviceable bout.

From there, the show began to hit its stride. Umaga retained the Intercontinental Championship in a surprisingly competitive match with Jeff Hardy, who played the resilient underdog to perfection. John Morrison and CM Punk delivered a technically sound, if slightly underwhelming ECW World Title match that continued their series of solid pay-per-view matches. Randy Orton defeated Dusty Rhodes in a Texas Bullrope Match designed to build even more heat for The Legend Killer. In a rare low point, The Great Khali retained the World Heavyweight Championship in a sluggish triple threat match against Batista and Kane – a match that exposed the limitations of all involved. Fortunately, the main event delivered: John Cena successfully defended the WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley in a hard-hitting, clean one-on-one match that elevated Lashley’s stock (right before he shockingly left WWE…) and gave Cena another notch in his lengthy reign. Bash ‘07 had its strange moments, but overall it was a decent show.

Jericho Vs Michaels Steals The Show At The Great American Bash (2008)

• Date: July 20, 2008
• Location: Uniondale, New York (Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum)
• Cagematch rating: 6.30
• PPV buys: 196,000

WWE The Great American Bash 2008 Results

1. Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder def. John Morrison & The Miz, Finlay & Hornswoggle and Jesse & Festus in fatal 4 way tag team match to win the WWE Tag Team Championship
2. Shelton Benjamin def. Matt Hardy to win the WWE United States Championship
3. Mark Henry def. Tommy Dreamer to retain the ECW Championship
4. Chris Jericho def. Shawn Michaels by TKO
5. Michelle McCool def. Natalya to crown the inaugural WWE Divas Champion
6. CM Punk vs Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship ended in a draw (Punk retained the title)
7. JBL def. John Cena in a New York City Parking Lot Brawl
8. Triple H def. Edge to retain the WWE Championship

The Great American Bash 2008 marked the final time the event would carry its full original name before being shortened the following year. The show opened with a multi-team scramble as Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder captured the WWE Tag Team Championship from John Morrison & The Miz in a four-way tag team match that also featured Jesse & Festus and Finlay & Hornswoggle. Shelton Benjamin followed up with a big win over Matt Hardy to claim the United States Championship – a much-needed boost for a talented performer who had long struggled to break out of the midcard. Mark Henry retained the ECW Championship in a forgettable match against Tommy Dreamer after Colin Delaney turned on his mentor, while Michelle McCool defeated Natalya to become the inaugural WWE Divas Champion in a historically significant, if underwhelming, bout that highlighted WWE’s transitional phase for its women’s division.

The night’s standout moment came in the emotional showdown between Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels. Their intense, slow-burn feud took a dark turn as Jericho won via TKO after brutalizing Michaels’ eye – a bold, physical match that stood out for its realism and storytelling. CM Punk retained the World Heavyweight Championship over Batista after Kane’s run-in resulted in a draw, keeping the Big Gold Belt on The Second City Saint without beating The Animal. In a rare off-site brawl, JBL defeated John Cena in a New York City Parking Lot Match that exceeded expectations. The night ended with Triple H successfully defending the WWE Championship against Edge in a good main event that was overshadowed by a strange storyline, as Triple H revealed Edge was cheating on Vickie Guerrero with Alicia Fox, their wedding planner. Though not a classic top to bottom, Bash ‘08 delivered enough compelling moments to serve as a fitting sendoff to the full-name legacy of the event.

The Bash That Wasn’t Great… Or American! (2009)

• Date: June 28, 2009
• Location: Sacramento, California (ARCO Arena)
• Cagematch rating: 6.21
• PPV buys: 178,000

WWE The Bash 2009 Results

1. Tommy Dreamer def. Christian, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry and Finlay in a Championship Scramble Match to retain the ECW Championship
2. Rey Mysterio def. Chris Jericho in a Title vs Mask Match to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship
3. Dolph Ziggler def. The Great Khali in a No DQ Match
4. Edge & Chris Jericho def. Carlito & Primo and The Legacy (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase Jr.) in a triple threat tag team match to win the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship
5. Michelle McCool def. Melina to win the WWE Women’s Championship
6. Jeff Hardy def. CM Punk by DQ for the World Heavyweight Championship (Punk retained the title)
7. John Cena def. The Miz
8. Randy Orton def. Triple H in a Three Stages of Hell Match to retain the WWE Championship

Rebranded as simply The Bash in 2009, WWE’s summer pay-per-view kept much of the Great American Bash lineage intact while shifting into a more modern presentation. The show opened with a chaotic Championship Scramble for the ECW Title, where Tommy Dreamer survived a flurry of pinfalls from Christian, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry, and Finlay to retain his championship – a sentimental win during his unexpected late-career resurgence. The night’s standout match came early as Rey Mysterio defeated Chris Jericho in a brilliant Title vs. Mask match to win the Intercontinental Championship, closing out one of WWE’s most acclaimed feuds of the year. Dolph Ziggler scored a career-boosting win over The Great Khali in a poor No DQ Match thanks to outside interference from Kane, while Edge and Chris Jericho – a last-minute pairing – captured the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship in a triple threat match against Carlito & Primo and The Legacy’s Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase Jr.

Michelle McCool added another accolade to her resume by defeating Melina for the WWE Women’s Championship in a match that was more competitive than most of the division’s offerings at the time. Jeff Hardy and CM Punk continued their escalating feud with a World Heavyweight Championship match that ended in a disqualification. While the finish might seem weak to some fans, it was an effective way to turn Punk heel, as he (technically still a babyface) “accidentally” kicked the referee in the back while faking an eye injury. John Cena picked up a decisive win over The Miz, just a few months into his singles run, while Randy Orton retained the WWE Championship against Triple H in a Three Stages of Hell Match. While the match structure felt a bit bloated, it served its purpose in concluding their lengthy rivalry. The Bash 2009 wasn’t without filler, but strong performances from Mysterio, Jericho, and Punk anchored the show, giving it just enough edge to stand out during WWE’s transitional PG era.

The Great American Bash – The Forgotten WWE SmackDown Special (2012)

• Date: July 3, 2012
• Location: Corpus Christi, Texas (American Bank Center)
• Cagematch rating: 6.24

WWE SmackDown: The Great American Bash 2012 Results

1. The Great Khali & Layla def. Antonio Cesaro & Aksana in a Mixed Tag Team Match
2. Cody Rhodes def. Christian in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
3. Dolph Ziggler def. Alex Riley in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
4. Santino Marella, Sgt. Slaughter & Hacksaw Jim Duggan def. Drew McIntyre, Hunico & Camacho
5. Ryback def. Curt Hawkins
6. Zack Ryder won a 20-Man Battle Royal to be SmackDown’s General Manager the following week

After a three-year absence, The Great American Bash name was briefly revived in 2012 — this time as a themed episode of SmackDown. While far removed from its pay-per-view roots, the show aimed to blend current storylines with patriotic flair and a sprinkle of nostalgia. The night featured a mixed tag opener with The Great Khali and Layla defeating Antonio Cesaro and Aksana (remember that duo!?). Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler both secured spots in the upcoming Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a future World Heavyweight Title shot with wins over Christian and Alex Riley, respectively. These matches added a layer of stakes to what otherwise felt like a filler card. Santino Marella teamed with WWE legends Sgt. Slaughter and Hacksaw Jim Duggan to defeat Drew McIntyre, Hunico, and Camacho in a crowd-pleasing comedy match.

Elsewhere, Ryback continued his undefeated streak with a squash win over Curt Hawkins – another stepping stone during his dominant early push. Since this episode took place a few weeks after John Laurinaitis lost his job as General Manager of both Raw and SmackDown at No Way Out, the main event was a 20-man battle royal to determine the one-night-only SmackDown General Manager for the following week. While the concept had little long-term impact, it was a feel-good moment for Ryder during a period when his popularity with the fanbase wasn’t always reflected in his booking. Though far from the prestige of past Great American Bash events, the 2012 edition embraced its role as a light, fan-service special, leaning more on nostalgia, camp, and holiday fun than match-of-the-year contenders.

NXT Brings Back The Great American Bash (2020)

• Dates: July 1, 2020 & July 8, 2020 (taped)
• Location: Winter Park, Florida (Full Sail University)
• Cagematch ratings: 7.67 (night 1) & 7.41 (night 2)

NXT The Great American Bash 2020 Results

Night 1

1. Tegan Nox def. Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai and Mia Yim in a fatal 4 way elimination match to determine the No. 1 Contender for the NXT Women’s Championship
2. Timothy Thatcher def. Oney Lorcan
3. Rhea Ripley def. Robert Stone & Aliyah in an Intergender Handicap Match
4. Dexter Lumis def. Roderick Strong in a Strap Match
5. Io Shirai def. Sasha Banks

Night 2

1. Candice LeRae def. Mia Yim in a Street Fight
2. Bronson Reed def. Tony Nese
3. Johnny Gargano def. Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott
4. Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) def. Drake Maverick & Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango)
5. Mercedes Martinez def. Santana Garrett
6. Keith Lee def. Adam Cole in a Winner Takes All Match for the NXT & North American Championships

Revived once again – this time under the NXT banner – The Great American Bash returned as a two-night television special in 2020, offering a distinctly modern spin on the classic event during WWE’s pandemic era. Night 1 kicked off with a strong Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match that saw Tegan Nox earn a long-awaited shot at the NXT Women’s Championship by defeating Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai, and Mia Yim in a well-paced showcase of NXT’s stacked women’s division. Timothy Thatcher and Oney Lorcan delivered a gritty battle, while Rhea Ripley powered through Robert Stone and Aliyah in a comedy-tinged intergender handicap match. Dexter Lumis outlasted Roderick Strong in a Strap Match that leaned into character storytelling, setting the stage for a longer arc between Lumis and The Undisputed Era. The main event of Night 1 was a crossover dream match, as NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defeated Sasha Banks in a non-title bout – an excellent clash of styles that gave Shirai a signature win against an established WWE star.

Night 2 built on that momentum with a more diverse lineup of singles and tag matches. Candice LeRae opened the night with a brutal victory over Mia Yim in a hard-hitting Street Fight that gave her a much-needed edge after several high-profile losses. Bronson Reed picked up a convincing win over Tony Nese, and Johnny Gargano continued his heel run with a competitive win against Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. Legado del Fantasma solidified their presence with a six-man tag team win over Drake Maverick and Breezango, while Mercedes Martinez made quick work of Santana Garrett in a dominant return. The finale of the two-week event was a high-stakes Winner Takes All match, with Keith Lee defeating Adam Cole to capture both the NXT and North American Championships – a huge moment that symbolized the brand’s faith in Lee as a top star. With a strong blend of character work, in-ring quality, and long-term implications, NXT’s first The Great American Bash proved to be a success.

The Undisputed Era Explodes At The Great American Bash (2021)

• Date: July 6, 2021
• Location: Orlando, Florida (Capitol Wrestling Center)
• Cagematch rating: 8.06

NXT The Great American Bash 2021 Results

1. MSK (Nash Carter & Wes Lee) def. Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher to retain the NXT Tag Team Championship
2. LA Knight def. Cameron Grimes to retain the Million Dollar Championship
3. Io Shirai & Zoey Stark def. The Way (Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell) to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship
4. Adam Cole def. Kyle O’Reilly

NXT The Great American Bash 2021 returned as a single-night special, continuing the brand’s tradition of delivering high-stakes matches under the legacy banner. The show opened with a fast-paced tag team title defense, as MSK retained their NXT Tag Team Championship against the rugged duo of Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher in a clash of styles that showcased both technical grit and explosive athleticism. LA Knight successfully defended the Million Dollar Championship against Cameron Grimes, continuing their entertaining feud with Knight’s cocky charisma and Grimes’ underdog appeal keeping fans invested – especially with the added stipulation that Grimes would have to serve as Knight’s butler after the loss.

One of the evening’s biggest moments came when Io Shirai & Zoey Stark dethroned The Way (Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell) to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship, delivering a strong tag team bout. In the main event, Adam Cole defeated Kyle O’Reilly in the latest chapter of their personal and brutal rivalry, building on their TakeOver: Stand & Deliver classic with another intense outing that left the door open for a rubber match. While more compact than prior iterations, The Great American Bash 2021 delivered where it counted – a tight, energetic showcase of NXT’s top talent with a focus on meaningful title changes and long-running storylines.

Bron Breakker Retains The NXT Championship At The Great American Bash (2022)

• Date: July 5, 2022
• Location: Orlando, Florida (WWE Performance Center)
• Cagematch rating: 6.66

NXT The Great American Bash 2022 Results

1. Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade def. Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne) to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship
2. Trick Williams def. Wes Lee
3. Tiffany Stratton def. Wendy Choo
4. Carmelo Hayes def. Grayson Waller for the NXT North American Championship
5. The Creed Brothers (Brutus Creed & Julius Creed) def. Diamond Mine (Roderick Strong & Damon Kemp) to retain the NXT Tag Team Championship
6. Bron Breakker def. Cameron Grimes to retain the NXT Championship

The 2022 edition of NXT The Great American Bash solidified its role as one of NXT’s most important mid-year events, delivering key title changes and spotlighting the brand’s fast-rising stars. Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship from the dominant Toxic Attraction duo of Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne, marking a pivotal shift in the women’s tag team division and injecting fresh momentum into Perez and Jade’s partnership. Meanwhile, Trick Williams earned a decisive win over Wes Lee, adding a new dynamic to the NXT midcard scene. Tiffany Stratton continued to carve out her niche with a hard-fought victory over Wendy Choo, showcasing her growing confidence and in-ring skills.

On the men’s side, Carmelo Hayes edged out Grayson Waller to capture the NXT North American Championship in a competitive matchup that reinforced Hayes’ position as one of NXT’s brightest rising stars. The Creed Brothers retained the NXT Tag Team Championship against the tough Diamond Mine team of Roderick Strong & Damon Kemp, maintaining their dominance in the tag team division with their trademark power and cohesion. The night closed with Bron Breakker successfully defending the NXT Championship against Cameron Grimes, reinforcing Breakker’s status as the new face of the brand with a hard-hitting performance that blended strength and agility. Overall, The Great American Bash 2022 was a strong statement from NXT, combining fresh talent with championship stakes in a show that both honored the event’s legacy and pushed the brand’s future forward.

The Judgment Day Takes Over NXT The Great American Bash (2023)

• Date: July 30, 2023
• Location: Cedar Park, Texas (H-E-B Center at Cedar Park)
• Cagematch rating: 7.30

NXT The Great American Bash 2023 Results

1. The Family (Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo) def. Gallus (Wolfgang & Mark Coffey) to win the NXT Tag Team Championship
2. Roxanne Perez def. Blair Davenport in a Weapons Wild Match
3. Baron Corbin vs. Gable Steveson ended in a draw
4. Dominik Mysterio def. Mustafa Ali and Wes Lee in a triple threat match to retain the NXT North American Championship
5. Tiffany Stratton def. Thea Hail by TKO to retain the NXT Women’s Championship
6. Carmelo Hayes def. Ilja Dragunov to retain the NXT Championship

NXT The Great American Bash 2023 delivered a lively mix of brawls, high-stakes title matches, and character-driven storytelling. The night opened with a feel-good moment as The Family defeated Gallus to win the NXT Tag Team Championship in a match that paid off months of build. Roxanne Perez followed up with a brutal victory over Blair Davenport in a Weapons Wild Match, delivering one of the most physical performances of her career to date. Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson made his in-ring debut in a match against Baron Corbin, but the contest ended in a draw – a disappointing result that left the crowd lukewarm and raised questions about Steveson’s immediate future in WWE.

The second half of the card was more consistent, with three championship bouts anchoring the night. Dominik Mysterio, riding the wave of his main roster heat as part of Judgment Day, retained the NXT North American Championship in a triple threat match against Mustafa Ali and Wes Lee in a fast-paced, crowd-pleasing bout that masked Dom’s inexperience while showcasing his opponents. Tiffany Stratton retained the NXT Women’s Championship over Thea Hail in a submission match that ended via referee stoppage – a bold call that drew heat and set up future tension in Hail’s underdog story. In the main event, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to retain the NXT Championship in a physically intense, emotionally charged showdown that once again proved Hayes is more than hype. Though uneven in spots, The Great American Bash 2023 balanced spectacle with substance, continuing NXT’s mission to spotlight rising stars under a legacy banner.

The Great American Bash Becomes A Two-Night Special Again (2024)

• Dates: July 30, 2024 & August 6, 2024
• Location: Orlando, Florida (WWE Performance Center)
• Cagematch rating: 7.07 (night 1) & 7.43 (night 2)

NXT The Great American Bash 2024 Results

Week 1

1. The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn) def. Meta-Four (Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend) to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
2. Tony D’Angelo def. Tavion Heights under British Rounds Rules to retain the NXT Heritage Cup
3. Cedric Alexander def. Brooks Jensen
4. Jaida Parker def. Kendal Grey
5. The Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx) def. Karmen Petrovic, Lola Vice & Sol Ruca
6. Roxanne Perez def. Thea Hail to retain the NXT Women’s Championship

Week 2

1. Pete Dunne def. Trick Williams
2. Kelani Jordan def. Tatum Paxley to retain the NXT Women’s North American Championship
3. Ethan Page def. Oro Mensah to retain the NXT Championship
4. Joe Hendry def. Joe Coffey
5. Wren Sinclair def. Kendal Grey
6. Axiom & Nathan Frazer def. MSK (Wes Lee & Zachary Wentz) to retain the NXT Tag Team Championship

NXT The Great American Bash 2024 stretched across two weeks of programming, offering a stacked lineup that spotlighted the brand’s depth, international flavor, and next-generation stars. Week 1 featured The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn) successfully defending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Meta-Four’s Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson, continuing their eerie reign atop the tag division. Tony D’Angelo retained the NXT Heritage Cup against Tavion Heights in a gritty British Rounds Rules match that added a dash of technical flair to the card. Cedric Alexander picked up a solid win over Brooks Jensen, while rising star Jaida Parker continued to gain momentum with a victory over Kendal Grey. In trios action, The Fatal Influence emerged as a cohesive new threat in the women’s division, defeating Karmen Petrovic, Sol Ruca & Lola Vice. The night capped off with Roxanne Perez once again asserting her dominance atop the women’s division, retaining the NXT Women’s Championship in a competitive match against Thea Hail.

Week 2 shifted into high gear with Pete Dunne scoring a clean, statement-making win over Trick Williams in a match that highlighted Dunne’s renewed focus and Williams’ resilience. Kelani Jordan successfully defended the NXT Women’s North American Championship against Tatum Paxley, continuing to establish herself as a cornerstone of the new women’s midcard title scene. Former AEW wrestler Ethan Page, just a few months into his WWE NXT career, retained the NXT Championship against Oro Mensah. TNA’s Joe Hendry picked up a surprise victory over Joe Coffey in a bout that brought a taste of British flair to the Bash, while Wren Sinclair notched another win over Kendal Grey. In the main event, Axiom & Nathan Frazer retained the NXT Tag Team Championship in a high-octane thriller against the reunited MSK, putting a stamp on a show that blended continuity, surprises and a clear eye toward the future.

Upcoming: NXT The Great American Bash 2025

• Date: July 12, 2025
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia (Center Stage)

There you go, the full history of The Great American Bash. As we just saw, GAB may no longer be a traditional pay-per-view like in the old WCW days or even during WWE’s Ruthless Aggression Era, but it remains an impactful event on WWE’s NXT brand today.

And now, as always, it’s your turn to speak. In your opinion, what is the greatest Great American Bash of all time? Was the event better in WCW, in WWE or right now as part of NXT? We read all your comments here on the blog, so let us know everything!

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