AEW Collision: A New Era of Saturday Night Wrestling
AEW Collision: A New Era of Saturday Night Wrestling
Deets On AEW
AEW Collision: A New Era of Saturday Night Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) launched in 2019 with the goal of providing an alternative to mainstream professional wrestling, dominated by WWE for decades. AEW's flagship show, Dynamite, became an instant hit, fostering a unique wrestling experience characterized by a blend of in-ring athleticism, storytelling, and fan-centric programming. However, as AEW's roster expanded and its fanbase grew, the need for a second major television show became apparent. This gave birth to AEW Collision, a weekly Saturday night program, designed to further showcase AEW’s diverse talent pool, introduce new rivalries, and provide a platform that offers more room for creative expression.
AEW Collision debuted on June 17, 2023, with high expectations and notable parallels to its predecessor Dynamite. The creation of Collision was inspired by a variety of factors, including the need to accommodate AEW’s expanding roster, the company’s commitment to wrestling innovation, and a desire to capture different audience demographics through alternative programming.
The Origins of AEW Collision: Expanding the Brand
By 2023, AEW's talent roster had grown considerably, incorporating a mix of homegrown talent, international stars, and former WWE wrestlers who sought creative freedom under Tony Khan’s leadership. With a growing fanbase and an increasing number of wrestlers who needed screen time, AEW recognized that its original programming—Dynamite and the online-exclusive Dark and Elevation—wasn’t enough to fully accommodate all the talent. In particular, the promotions of new stars like Powerhouse Hobbs, Jay White, Andrade El Idolo, and others led to the need for more televised ring time and deeper character development.
The inspiration for AEW Collision can be traced to the historical success of wrestling companies that leveraged multiple television shows to cater to different fan demographics. For example, WWE had long utilized both Raw and SmackDown to not only separate talent but to create brand-specific storylines. AEW, following the same tradition, sought to craft a similar formula. With Dynamite airing on Wednesdays, Collision was strategically placed on Saturday nights, providing AEW with an opportunity to attract a broader, potentially different audience.
Creative Inspiration: Nods to WCW and Saturday Night Wrestling
A key source of creative inspiration for AEW Collision can be found in the legacy of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and its flagship Saturday show, WCW Saturday Night. Saturday Night aired from the late 1980s through the 1990s and was instrumental in WCW’s growth during the Monday Night Wars. AEW Collision draws on the classic vibe of Saturday night wrestling programming that WCW once successfully executed. This nostalgic nod was not accidental. From its name to its time slot, AEW Collision feels like a homage to the past while standing firmly in the future of wrestling entertainment.
AEW’s head honcho, Tony Khan, who has publicly declared his deep knowledge of and respect for pro wrestling history, has taken inspiration from the likes of Jim Crockett Promotions and Mid-South Wrestling, both of which featured Saturday-night wrestling programs that were essential to their popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Tony Khan sought to revive the magic of wrestling on Saturday nights, appealing to hardcore wrestling fans who fondly remembered that era, while introducing younger fans to a fresh experience.
Branding and Promotion: Building Hype for AEW Collision
The announcement of AEW Collision stirred excitement across the wrestling world. Unlike AEW’s Rampage, which is an hour-long program that often feels like a supplementary show to Dynamite, AEW Collision was designed from the start to stand on equal footing with Dynamite, offering its own unique flavor. AEW marketed Collision as a high-profile show that would feature top-tier talent and significant matches, distinguishing it from Rampage's late-night slot and the more developmental vibe of Dark and Elevation.
AEW's marketing approach highlighted Collision’s premier event, featuring CM Punk as the centerpiece. Punk’s involvement in Collision was significant, as he had been off AEW television following an injury and backstage controversies after All Out 2022. His return, billed as the star attraction for the debut episode, was designed to grab the attention of lapsed fans and to draw viewers who followed his storied career.
In addition to Punk, other major AEW stars were announced for the show, including Andrade El Idolo, Miro, and Thunder Rosa, all of whom had been off television due to injuries or other reasons. AEW Collision was framed as the "second chance" show—an opportunity for talent who had been sidelined to reestablish themselves.
The First Episode: A Historic Debut
AEW Collision’s first episode aired on June 17, 2023, live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The debut show was headlined by the return of CM Punk, who teamed with FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) to take on Samoa Joe, Jay White, and Juice Robinson. This match was a perfect encapsulation of AEW Collision’s aim: to showcase marquee stars in high-stakes, action-packed bouts.
In addition to the main event, the show featured a blend of AEW’s top-tier talent and rising stars. Andrade El Idolo made his in-ring return, Miro launched a dominant run after a hiatus, and Powerhouse Hobbs was given time to showcase his talents in a significant singles match. The debut episode of Collision was praised for its energy, production quality, and unique feel. Its two-hour format allowed for more in-depth storytelling and longer matches, which differentiated it from Rampage’s more fast-paced, condensed format.
The success of the first episode established AEW Collision as a must-watch program and a legitimate companion to Dynamite. The show drew positive reviews for its presentation, with a distinct aesthetic that set it apart from AEW’s other offerings, including a new color scheme, lighting, and set design that contributed to its unique identity.
Collision’s Role in AEW: A Platform for Stars and Storylines
In the months following its debut, AEW Collision became a critical platform for advancing major storylines and showcasing underutilized talent. One of the show’s biggest contributions to AEW's ecosystem has been its role in re-establishing CM Punk as a central figure in the company. Punk’s feuds, including his ongoing rivalry with Samoa Joe and Ricky Starks, helped Collision maintain a consistent narrative thread that kept fans engaged.
Beyond Punk, Collision gave ample screen time to wrestlers like Miro, who had been absent from AEW programming. Miro’s return to dominance on Collision signaled AEW’s commitment to using the show as a way to reinvigorate talent who had previously been on the sidelines. Wrestlers such as Andrade El Idolo and Thunder Rosa similarly benefited from the show’s emphasis on giving them significant matches and storylines.
The tag team division also found new life on Collision, with teams like FTR often being featured in high-profile matches. Collision’s two-hour runtime allowed for tag team bouts to receive the time they needed to tell compelling stories, something that occasionally gets rushed on Dynamite or Rampage due to time constraints.
In many ways, AEW Collision became a show focused on technical wrestling and long-form storytelling, catering to fans who appreciate in-ring action over quick-hit segments. It also allowed for AEW to feature more diverse matchups, bringing in talent from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and other promotions, further cementing AEW’s commitment to a global wrestling audience.
Collision’s Challenges: Ratings and Market Competition
Despite the strong debut, AEW Collision faced challenges in its initial months, especially regarding television ratings and competition. Saturday night programming is a difficult time slot for wrestling, as it competes with a variety of other live sports and entertainment options. Over time, Collision’s ratings saw fluctuations, with some episodes drawing impressive numbers while others experienced significant drop-offs.
This volatility can be attributed to multiple factors, including the time slot, the episodic nature of the show, and occasional competition with major sports events. Nevertheless, AEW remained committed to making Collision work, experimenting with cross-promotions and special episodes to boost viewership.
Collision’s emphasis on long matches and less frequent promos has also received mixed reactions from fans. While some praised the format for its focus on wrestling, others felt the show lacked the dynamism and unpredictability of Dynamite. AEW attempted to balance this by introducing more promo segments and backstage interviews over time, trying to find the right mix to keep fans engaged.
The Future of AEW Collision
As of late 2024, AEW Collision continues to be an essential part of AEW’s weekly lineup. The show has served as a proving ground for both rising stars and veterans alike. Wrestlers who might not have found as much airtime on Dynamite, such as Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Jay White, have been given the opportunity to thrive on Collision, creating new fan favorites and rivalries in the process.
Looking forward, AEW has the potential to continue evolving Collision as a space for experimentation and creative storytelling. The show’s commitment to in-ring excellence positions it as a unique offering in a crowded wrestling marketplace. If AEW can address the challenges of Saturday night programming and maintain a steady stream of compelling storylines, Collision could grow into a cornerstone of the AEW brand for years to come.
A Bold Step in AEW's Evolution
AEW Collision represents a bold step in AEW’s evolution. Inspired by the history of Saturday night wrestling and designed to cater to both hardcore wrestling fans and a broader audience, AEW Collision has carved out its own identity within the AEW landscape. With its longer match formats, technical in-ring focus, and a showcase for underutilized talent, Collision has successfully delivered an alternative flavor to Dynamite, appealing to different segments of AEW’s growing fanbase.
While the road has not been without its challenges—particularly in terms of competing in the tough Saturday night time slot—Collision has demonstrated AEW's ability to diversify its product and provide a platform for both established stars and new faces. As AEW continues to expand its global presence and grow its fanbase, Collision will likely remain a critical part of the promotion’s future.
Collision’s Unique Presentation and Fan Experience
One of the most striking aspects of AEW Collision is its distinctive presentation. While AEW Dynamite often feels like an energetic, fast-paced variety show with a mix of storylines, matches, and promo segments, Collision adopted a slightly more measured and traditional approach, reminiscent of classic wrestling broadcasts. This was evident in the set design, color scheme, and pacing of the show.
The color palette of AEW Collision—primarily red, gold, and black—creates a visual contrast to Dynamite’s blue and white aesthetics. The production team has deliberately crafted Collision’s look to evoke a sense of gravitas and importance, aiming to make it feel like a marquee event each week. The entrances and camera work emphasize the show’s identity as a major event, with wrestlers often getting longer entrances and more time to interact with the crowd.
This emphasis on spectacle was important not only for long-time wrestling fans, who appreciate the throwback to earlier eras, but also for younger viewers discovering the nuances of professional wrestling storytelling for the first time. AEW, through Collision, has positioned itself as a promotion that values both tradition and innovation, offering something for every kind of wrestling fan.
A Platform for AEW’s International Ambitions
AEW’s rise as a major wrestling promotion has included a significant focus on international expansion. AEW Collision has played an important role in this strategy by frequently featuring wrestlers from around the world, including stars from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Lucha Libre AAA. By integrating these wrestlers into Collision’s programming, AEW has tapped into international fanbases that might not have otherwise tuned in for Dynamite.
The partnership with NJPW, in particular, has been one of the most fruitful for AEW. Featuring NJPW stars like Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, and Tomohiro Ishii on Collision, AEW provided fans with dream matches and expanded its influence within the Japanese wrestling market. This international cross-pollination gave Collision a unique appeal, distinguishing it from Dynamite’s focus on AEW’s own roster.
AEW Collision has also helped AEW maintain its relationship with the Mexican wrestling scene. Wrestlers like Andrade El Idolo and Penta El Zero Miedo were given high-profile matches on Collision, showcasing the luchador style that appeals to both American and Latin American audiences. This blend of wrestling styles—from American strong style to Japanese puroresu and Mexican lucha libre—has made Collision a melting pot of global wrestling talent.
As AEW continues to host major international events like AEW All In at Wembley Stadium, Collision’s global focus helps prime international audiences to be familiar with AEW’s diverse roster. The show’s commitment to blending wrestling cultures furthers AEW’s goal of becoming a truly global wrestling company.
Key Rivalries and Moments that Defined Collision
Since its inception, AEW Collision has been home to numerous standout rivalries and moments that have contributed to its legacy within AEW. From CM Punk’s explosive return to Miro’s dominant resurgence, Collision has become a hotbed for some of AEW’s most intense feuds and storytelling.
One of the earliest and most significant rivalries that played out on Collision was CM Punk vs. Samoa Joe. The two have a storied history dating back to their days in Ring of Honor, and AEW capitalized on this history to craft a compelling feud that saw both men vie for dominance in the early weeks of Collision. Their matches on Collision not only reignited their classic rivalry but also reintroduced both wrestlers as major players in AEW’s evolving storylines.
Another important rivalry that emerged on Collision was between Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs, two stars who were initially part of the same faction but ultimately went on to feud with each other. Collision’s storytelling allowed this feud to develop slowly, with the two facing off in brutal matches that helped both men rise as major singles competitors in AEW. Their rivalry was symbolic of AEW’s commitment to using Collision to elevate younger talent and give them meaningful storylines that could continue on Dynamite, Rampage, or AEW’s pay-per-views.
As Andrade El Idolo returned to AEW via Collision, his feud with Malakai Black stood out for its intensity and character-driven narrative. The two engaged in violent, methodical matches that culminated in high-stakes, storyline-defining moments. For Andrade, Collision became his home base, where his quest to regain his status as one of AEW’s top stars unfolded.
Beyond these specific rivalries, AEW Collision has hosted major championship matches and high-profile bouts, including defenses of the AEW World Championship, the TNT Championship, and the AEW Tag Team Championships. By featuring these marquee matches, Collision solidified its status as a must-watch program for fans who craved top-tier wrestling action.
The Future of AEW Collision: Evolution and Growth
Looking ahead, AEW Collision is poised to continue growing as a key component of AEW’s television programming. With AEW’s constant influx of talent and new signings, Collision offers a platform that can absorb the pressure of the growing roster while continuing to deliver compelling wrestling content.
As AEW expands into new markets and hosts more international events, Collision may take on a more prominent role in those markets. With AEW All In returning to Wembley Stadium and potential new partnerships with international promotions, Collision could become a hub for international storylines and global matchups. Its history of bringing in international stars from NJPW and other promotions makes it a logical choice for AEW to continue expanding its international partnerships.
Furthermore, AEW has the opportunity to refine Collision’s format, experimenting with storytelling, promo segments, and live events to create a more dynamic viewing experience. The show’s early emphasis on in-ring action can be balanced with more character-driven narratives and backstage interviews, allowing AEW to maintain audience interest week after week.
Conclusion: Collision as a Pillar of AEW’s Legacy
AEW Collision represents a critical step in AEW’s evolution as a professional wrestling company. Born out of a need to accommodate a growing roster and inspired by the rich history of Saturday night wrestling programming, Collision has succeeded in delivering a unique wrestling experience that complements AEW Dynamite while standing firmly on its own.
From its debut episode headlined by CM Punk to its role in elevating talent like Ricky Starks and Andrade El Idolo, Collision has played host to numerous memorable moments that have shaped AEW’s broader storylines. As AEW continues to evolve, both domestically and internationally, Collision will remain a crucial part of the company’s strategy to deliver top-tier wrestling to fans worldwide.
With its distinct presentation, emphasis on technical wrestling, and focus on showcasing a diverse range of talent, AEW Collision is poised to remain a foundational pillar in AEW’s programming for years to come. Whether through major rivalries, championship matches, or its role as a platform for emerging stars, Collision has solidified its place as one of the most exciting weekly wrestling shows in the industry today.
Written with ChatGPT and checked for plagiarism with plagiarismdetector.net on September 10, 2024
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