Anger in ‘Israel’ over WWE event scheduled on Oct. 7

WWE has found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy in 'Israel' after scheduling a special episode of its NXT brand, titled NXT Invasion, for October 7, 2025.

The date coincides with the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

The event, strangely, received an immediate and fierce backlash in ‘Israel’ and Hebrew media.

The event is a cornerstone of a major storyline pitting NXT against TNA Wrestling.

The use of the word "invasion" is an intentional creative decision, referencing a highly successful 2001 professional wrestling storyline where the company absorbed rival promotions.

However, critics in ‘Israeli’ media have seized upon the name and date alignment, alleging "obtuseness and extreme insensitivity" by WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings.

The decision was described as "preposterous," linking the fictional wrestling title to the real-world operation by Hamas which took place in the southern ‘Israeli’ settlements almost two years ago.

“Israel Hayom” said the event can be viewed “as extreme insensitivity”.

“Yet, from the viewpoint of Israeli fans, the mere staging of the event specifically on this highly charged day and with a name that assumes a chilling significance is the main concern,” the news outlet added in its report.

The event is still set to air live on The CW, featuring two multi-person, Survivor Series-style elimination matches and a tag team championship match pitting The Hardy Boyz against DarkState.

Despite the sustained public scrutiny and demands for accountability, TKO Group Holdings and WWE have not issued any official statement or announced a change to the event’s name or date.