Last update images today AEW Collision Explodes Onto Saturday Nights: New Show, Familiar Faces, And Burning Questions Answered!
AEW Collision Explodes onto Saturday Nights: New Show, Familiar Faces, and Burning Questions Answered!
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has officially detonated onto Saturday nights with the launch of its brand new show, "AEW Collision." The inaugural episode, broadcast live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, promised a shake-up to the wrestling landscape and delivered in spades. Featuring the long-awaited return of CM Punk, alongside established AEW stalwarts and fresh rivalries brewing, Collision has instantly established itself as must-see television.
The Return of the "Best in the World": CM Punk's Explosive Re-Emergence
The biggest story dominating headlines is undoubtedly the return of CM Punk. After a tumultuous period following All Out 2022, marked by controversy and injuries, Punk emerged to a thunderous ovation from his hometown crowd. His opening promo was electric, a blend of defiant pride, acknowledging the past, and teasing future clashes. He addressed the "real" AEW fans, while subtly taking aim at those he deems detractors. More than just words, Punk backed it up in the ring, teaming with FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) to defeat Samoa Joe, Jay White, and Juice Robinson in a thrilling main event.
New Championships, New Opportunities: A Divided Roster and Expanding Universe
Beyond Punk's return, AEW Collision presents a clear division of the roster. While not explicitly stated as a "brand split," the show appears to be designed to spotlight different talent and storylines. This allows for more focused development of wrestlers who might have been struggling for airtime on Dynamite. A new AEW World Trios Championship belt, held by House of Black, was conspicuously absent, suggesting this title will remain primarily featured on Wednesday nights.
The creation of Collision presents opportunities for wrestlers like Miro, who returned after a long hiatus and dispatched Tony Nese with brutal efficiency. Other stars, such as Andrade El Idolo, also heavily rumored for a return to AEW programming, could find Collision a perfect platform to re-establish themselves.
Storylines Taking Shape: Seeds of Conflict Sown
Several storylines gained significant momentum on Collision. The simmering tension between CM Punk and Samoa Joe reignited instantly during their main event clash, hinting at a future singles match with intense physicality and personal animosity. FTR's ongoing dominance in the tag team division continued, with their victory further solidifying their status as top contenders.
However, the most intriguing development was arguably the arrival of Ricky Starks. Following his victory over Juice Robinson, Starks cut a passionate promo, declaring his intention to become a champion in AEW. This could position him as a potential challenger for either the AEW World Championship or the TNT Championship, depending on how the roster split shakes out.
The Chicago Crowd: A Force of Nature
The United Center crowd in Chicago played a crucial role in the success of Collision's debut. Their unwavering support for CM Punk created an electric atmosphere, amplifying the impact of his return and the overall energy of the show. The crowd was vocal throughout the night, reacting strongly to both positive and negative developments, proving that a passionate audience can significantly enhance the viewing experience.
Questions Still Lingering: What's Next for AEW Collision?
While Collision's debut was a resounding success, several key questions remain:
- Is this a formal brand split? While the emphasis on different talent is evident, AEW has yet to explicitly declare a brand split. Will we see wrestlers regularly crossing between Dynamite and Collision, or will they largely remain exclusive to one show?
- How will the championships be divided? The absence of the AEW World Trios Championship suggests a deliberate effort to keep certain titles primarily associated with Dynamite. Will other championships follow suit?
- What are CM Punk's long-term plans? While his return was electrifying, the ultimate goal for CM Punk remains unclear. Will he pursue the AEW World Championship, or will he focus on settling old scores?
- Can Collision maintain this momentum? The debut episode benefited from the excitement surrounding CM Punk's return. Can the show sustain this level of intensity and interest in the weeks and months to come?
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Saturday Night Wrestling
AEW Collision's debut was a bold statement, signaling a new era for All Elite Wrestling. With CM Punk back in the fold, a renewed focus on storytelling, and a platform for emerging talent, Collision has the potential to become a major force in the wrestling world. Only time will tell if it can live up to the hype, but the initial signs are incredibly promising.
Keywords: AEW Collision, CM Punk, AEW, Wrestling, Samoa Joe, FTR, Ricky Starks, Saturday Night Wrestling, Brand Split, Chicago, United Center, Dynamite.
Summary Question and Answer:
- Q: What is AEW Collision? A: A brand new Saturday night wrestling show from All Elite Wrestling, featuring a distinct roster and storylines, highlighted by the return of CM Punk.
- Q: What happened with CM Punk? A: CM Punk made a triumphant return to AEW on Collision, competing in the main event and delivering a memorable promo.
- Q: Is AEW Collision a brand split? A: While not officially announced as a brand split, Collision features a different set of talent and storylines compared to Dynamite, suggesting a division of the roster.
- Q: What are some storylines to watch on Collision? A: The rivalry between CM Punk and Samoa Joe, Ricky Starks' pursuit of championships, and the return of Miro are key storylines to follow.
- Q: What questions remain about AEW Collision? A: Whether it's a formal brand split, how championships will be divided, CM Punk's long-term plans, and if the show can sustain its momentum are the biggest questions.