When the announcement of AEW Collision took place on May 17, 2023, fans were shocked. Well, that is unless they heard of the trademark filing back in February; nevertheless, nobody was truly sure what was coming.
Upon the unveiling, wrestling media, talent, and fans immediately noticed the logo – the WCW Monday Nitro comparisons were hard to escape. I would know because I made a lot of them in excitement like a stupid idiot. Yeah, I’m self-hating, what about it?
Soon there was talk of this being a soft or hard brand split (keep your innuendos to yourself). Speculation arose about CM Punk working on this new brand, solidifying the brand split assumptions, given the unusually untalked about Brawl Out incident.
As the excitement died down, I had some questions. Will the incident play into the ratings? What about those who go out on Saturday nights or watch other sports? Where did I leave my headphones? Will this split allow for more television time among talent?
Now that we’re a month past the premiere episode, how does the series hold up?
After its debut on TNT, Collision’s difference from Dynamite was apparent. It was still an AEW product, that much was clear – but the tone felt different. It was slower, methodical, with a pace that set itself apart from the fantastic frenzy that is Dynamite. The statement was made with matches such as Andrade El Idolo vs Buddy Matthews and CM Punk with FTR vs Samoa Joe with Jay White and Juice Robinson.
Luchasaurus won the TNT Championship off of Wardlow, with Christian acting as though he won it personally, while Andrade as mentioned earlier is now embroiled in a war against The House of Black. Miro is back as well, squashing jobbers, and Thunder Rosa looms in the background, waiting to pounce at full health.
As these stories progress, so do the happenings of Dynamite, with Blackpool Combat Club’s blood feud with The Elite, the possible dissolution and implosion of the Jericho Appreciation Society, and Kris Statlander defending her TBS Championship.
In the midst of these shows, a pattern is emerging. Some talents want to pull double-duty and appear on both shows, like Skye Blue or Roderick Strong, while others prefer their shows, such as Chris Jericho and The Elite on Dynamite and House of Black and FTR on Collision, but there are exceptions. For example, as we speak, The Outcast’s war with the women’s division persists across the channels and brands, delivering torment without recompense. It feels kind of loosey-goosey, so long as Punk and The Elite don’t interact.
Despite this, it allows Wednesdays to feel different from Saturdays when it comes to wrestling television. Stories are growing and prospering. If Kota Ibushi joining The Elite against Blackpool Combat Club isn’t your thing, perhaps Samoa Joe reigniting a historic rivalry with CM Punk will do it for you.
On the topic of the straight-edge veteran, it’s quite the experience seeing him lauded and praised in parts of Canada yet treated like it’s Chicago in other areas. While Punk soaks in the babyface reactions for places that lovingly accept him, there’s that devilish glee in his eyes, smile, and soul when everyone in the stands hates him and wants his head on a pike. He sort of plays a 1997 Bret Hart or when a heel Daniel Bryan performed in Seattle during his historic WWE Championship reign in 2019. Chicago’s favorite son savors walking that fine line between love and hate, and in this he feels like a fleshed-out character without stereotypes and expectations. Almost like a regular human beyond the curtain that separates kayfabe from reality.
And it seems its becoming a theme here. Honestly, it’s different and breaks away from the formula that AEW was starting to be known for, adding levels of uncertainty. While some acts adhere to their place on the morality scale, the roster adds nuance to their roles, be it Ricky winning by any means necessary, Andrade fighting for the soul of his mask, or Joe forgoing his normally respectful demeanor in lieu of rage. People act on their emotions or thoughts in a logical sense – and it rubs off on Dynamite too. There’s more agency, freedom, care, and focus.
Unfortunately, there still remains the current existence of the women’s division. The Outcasts storyline is still taking the bulk of the attention, while other women vie for whatever time they get on television beyond Honor Club and Rampage. While Kris Statlander does her own thing in holding the TBS Championship, the roster isn’t given as much to do and not much time to do it. We know the women have the talent and urgency to give fans what they’re looking for. If given an ounce of attention, the women’s division could overtake some of the other sections that belong to other companies. All it would take is effort, passion, and attention. Ignoring this part of your company would be like ignoring an organ because you don’t think it’s as vital as the others.
There are matches and promo segments that cut into the time that could afford leeway to stars. Luckily, I think Collision may bring about some change with that. In time, of course. In due time.
As I type this, Willow Nightingale and Athena have been given time to tell their own story that speaks to the brutality of violence that permeates in them being polar opposites, yet same in the level of force and determination that comes with wanting to win – and what a progressive way to do it – two black women competing for a big spot that wouldn’t be offered to them otherwise.
Of course, I am but an optimist. I want the success of all things with promise.
So, my final verdict: Collision is great. It provides me with a different flavor than Dynamite, and it’s as though both brands are competing with each other. There’s competition all across the industry and as talents across the shows push and push, it’ll make the product stronger as everyone works to make names for themselves. Chaos both controlled and uncontrolled.
Let the shows go on, for we are in one of the best periods of wrestling. Let it go on, and cherish it.
