The ROCKET Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio is the arena that Collision will take place, and the Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament Semifinals are underway, as are a large number of other matches and segments. Honestly, it looks like it’s going to be a good show, and with Bryan Danielson in charge, this will hopefully differentiate itself still from Dynamite, even without CM Punk.
Let’s dig in, shall we?
Samoa Joe vs Penta El Zero Miedo (Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament Semifinal)
After Samoa Joe trounced Jeff Hardy and Penta defeated Jay Lethal on Rampage, the pair advanced and must now deal with one another. Penta is a hell of a worker, but Samoa Joe is a force of devastation, and if his promo battle with MJF on Dynamite is anything to go by, Joe is probably the go-to guy to win this. This match will be incredibly neat though.
We’ll Hear From Saraya & Ruby Soho
With inaugural Outcast member Toni Storm on the outs with her team as she falls into dramatic despair, her co-horts will lay down the law and let fans know just where they stand. What if Storm is replaced? What if the group is dissolved entirely? What if cows started standing up for themselves when humans try milking them? I don’t have an answer for the last question, but for the rest, we will just have to watch and see.
We’ll Hear From The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass
I never thought I’d be the guy who would type in the word “Daddy” while writing an article of any sort, but here we are. I imagine this promo segment will lead to the next rivalry. I feel as though Juice Robinson and the Gunns would make for a fun feud.
We’ll Hear from Bryan Danielson
Well golly, there sure are a lot of promo segments being advertised. The “where’s the wrestling?” crowd is going to be displeased and perhaps they’ll post about it, en masse? Anywhoo, after Bryan Danielson choked out Ricky Starks in a terrifying Hart/Austin WrestleMania 13 finish, the American Dragon will probably set his sights on something new, play to the crowd as either a heel or a face, and we’re all going to love it if we have souls.
Bullet Club Gold vs Dios Del Inframundo, Aerostar, Metalik, & Gravity
While I hope there are more substantial things for BCG to do, this one I’m excited and curious about. I know what Metalik and Gravity are capable of, but I’ve never seen Inframundo or Aerostar are. They look insanely cool, however, so hopefully this is an eight-man tag that blows people away.
Roderick Strong vs Darby Allin (Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament Semifinal)
A man who seeks attention for his neck health versus someone who forsook it, this match is hard to call. The comedic Strong trying to step up to MJF for taking away his friend while using his brutish strength and stiff style against the smaller Darby will make for an interesting match, although the reckless and determined Allin could survive and even outpace the Messiah of the Backbreaker. Either way, I know I’ll be seated.
Jon Moxley (c) vs Action Andretti (AEW International Championship)
Jon Moxley as the new International Champion could be just as epic and entertaining as the title reign that preceded it with a phenomenal effort in story by Orange Cassidy. Having Action Andretti try to unseat the maniac will be something to watch – though he became noticed after defeating Chris Jericho, Andretti could be made into a star even in defeat by Moxley. Just ask Wheeler Yuta. Also, pretty neat that this is Moxley’s debut on Collision. After ensuring he isn’t subject to a stressful work environment, he’s likely to be happy now that the stress has been removed.
Some great matches in a myriad of promo segments. I’m a sucker for promos, so I’m not too worried about it, but if this isn’t paced right, there will be some complaints. I’m looking forward to the Eliminator matches and the International title defense, personally.
Catch AEW: Collision tonight at 8ᴘᴍ ET/ 7ᴘᴍ CT on TNT.
