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Saturday night is alright for fighting. AEW Collision (June 15, 2024) emanated from Covelli Centre in Youngstown, OH. The show featured Christian Cage with a Father’s Day present, a House of Black member going down, Deonna Purrazzo roughhousing Thunder Rosa, and more.
The one-year anniversary episode of Collision had a weird finish. For the sake of story cohesion, we’ll start with Christian Cage’s Father’s Day special.
A father’s gift
Christian Cage opened the show from the red light distract to hype the episode. The Patriarch took credit for carrying Collision with his legendary TNT title reign. He hit the tagline of AEW being where the best wrestle, then he shared foreshadowing with a sprinkle of unpredictability.
“The Patriarch” Christian Cage welcomes us to the 1 Year Anniversary of Collision!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@Christian4Peeps pic.twitter.com/l9xcZAZqbk
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
Mid-way through the show, Christian held court in the ring to celebrate himself. In typical manner for the Patriarch, he was so crude that it was morbidly hilarious. Christian spoke to Nick Wayne about it being a blessing that his father died. That path led Nick to become Christian’s son.
“Touching” words from Christian Cage.
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@Christian4Peeps | @thenickwayne | @luchasaurus | #MotherWayne pic.twitter.com/DcuHsEFbPg
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
That whole scene was filled with so many nuggets of entertainment. It started with Mama Wayne chastising the crowd for booing a mother. Nick handed Christian a Father’s Day card, like it was written by a child. Luchasaurus presented an artwork portrait of Christian only to be rebuffed with a request to be more like Nick. Christian even used his twisted logic to proclaim himself as Tony Khan’s new father.
“@TonyKhan, I’m your father now”@Christian4Peeps is… wow#AEWCollision is LIVE on TNT pic.twitter.com/801LFw7lIV
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) June 16, 2024
The real purpose of this segment was for Christian to declare his focus on the trios titles as a gift to his sons. And that idea leads to the main event.
Weird finish
Juice Robinson and the Gunns had no fear of the House of Black. The Collision Cowboys wanted to make a statement on the show that they built.
The Collision Cowboys, the Bang Bang Gang, send a final message to the #HouseOfBlack before they face off in tonight’s MAIN EVENT!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@TheAustinGunn | @ColtenGunn | #JuiceRobinson pic.twitter.com/HFYlHjFFPx
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
Mind games to start the non-title trios bout. For example, Robinson mimicked a dog urinating on Malakai Black’s cross-legged taunt.
That’s definitely…something
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@SNM_Buddy | @Brodyxking | @malakaiblxck | @theaustingunn | @coltengunn | #JuiceRobinson pic.twitter.com/YItwXo8PVL
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
The match took a turn when Buddy Matthews appeared to injure his knee on a meteora. He received instant medical attention on the outside and was escorted to the back. The House of Black awkwardly paused to check on their teammate. I legitimately thought it was a serious leg injury for Matthews.
The match resumed with Black and Brody King refocused to kick ass. The numbers advantage benefit the Bang Bang Gang as the Gunns hit a 3:10 to Yuma on King. Robinson went up top to finish, however, PAC ran in to shove him off the turnbuckles. That act was payback for Juice doing the same upon his return. Black capitalized on the distraction for a head kick to Austin Gunn to win.
PAC gets his payback!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@Brodyxking | @malakaiblxck | @theaustingunn | @coltengunn | #JuiceRobinson | @BASTARDPAC pic.twitter.com/YWqDWChLoM
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
Tony Schiavone stated that this win earns a trios title shot for the House of Black. That’s when Christian flashed on the big screen. He had bad news. The Patriarch informed the House of Black that they aren’t a trio anymore. The camera panned down to show Matthews unconscious from the effects of a conchairto. Christian declared that the Patriarchy are taking the top spot.
Christian Cage with his own surprise for the House of Black!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@Brodyxking | @malakaiblxck | @SNM_Buddy | @Christian4Peeps pic.twitter.com/9kYBRQN90M
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
Well, that was a weird finish. I don’t think it can be judged properly until we see how the full story plays out. It could be awesome with a conspiracy diagram needed to keep track of the feuding, or it could be a complete dud that makes no sense in hindsight.
Since instant reaction is the name of the game, I’ll sock it to you. The finish left me scratching my head with confusion. I’m working with the assumption that the injury to Matthews is fake. I wonder why write him off TV? He should be gone at least a month to sell the conchairto and knee pain. Then, why have the Bang Bang Gang lose? Sure, the defeat was protected with interference from PAC, and that is one aspect that made sense as turnabout is fair play. Juice Robinson did the same to screw PAC previously. But still, it is rarely a good look for champions to lose like that. And let’s say this is calculated cover for a real injury by Matthews, then the whole thing is an even more confusing choice of booking.
On top of it all, we have three heel teams in this story. The manufactured circumstances feel like the House of Black could be the choice to lean babyface, however, I think it is too soon for them to be heroes after the dastardly feud with Adam Copeland. Nothing I saw on screen made me want to cheer for them as good guys. Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited to see House of Black hunt the Patriarchy, but that’s for the sake of delicious chaos. Let’s say Matthews’ injury takes House of Black out of the picture temporarily, then it still leaves heels versus heels with the Bang Bang Gang and the Patriarchy. Weird.
I will say that this angle created curiosity, so they’ve got that going for them, which is nice.
Let’s jam through the rest of Collision.
Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, & Bryan Danielson defeated Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls, Rocky Romero, & Lio Rush. Forbidden Door season 8-man tag with wrestlers from NJPW. The closing sequence had Claudio swing Romero. Rush climbed on Claudio’s back, so the strongman tossed him into the air for a Death Rider by Moxley. Game over.
Afterward, Mox hyped his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship fight against Tetsuya Naito at Forbidden Door. He was confident in closing this chapter by putting an end to Naito’s career.
The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley sends a message to his #ForbiddenDoor opponent Tetsuya Naito!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@JonMoxley pic.twitter.com/4OHULWYO5k
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
Hectic pace with rowdy action and a cool finish. There didn’t appear to be any story value here. It was a Forbidden Door style match for the sake of it, and it kept the BCC stars busy for a television appearance. I was curious if it could lead to a NJPW tag title shot for Claudio and Yuta against Haste and Nicholls, but the focus didn’t seem to point that way.
The Acclaimed fined then not fined. The Acclaimed spoke their mind in the ring about the Young Bucks issuing a fine to Anthony Bowens for disparaging the EVPs. Brandon Cutler cut off Max Caster’s rap to issue more fines. Christopher Daniels arrived with word that Tony Khan rescinded the fines. CD bashed Cutler with a clipboard then sent him into the ring for Scissor Me Timbers.
Interim EVP Christopher Daniels wasn’t letting this carry on any longer!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@RealBillyGunn | @Bowens_Official | @PlatinumMax | @facdaniels | @BranCutler pic.twitter.com/q2GgsmCaVk
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
That segment amounted to a simple and effective stooge formula to pop the crowd. Cutler is doing well in that role.
No DQ: Deonna Purrazzo defeated Thunder Rosa. Physical fight leading to a creative spot with Thunder running up the table as a ramp for a shotgun dropkick to Purrazzo inside a trashcan.
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@thunderrosa22 | @DeonnaPurrazzo pic.twitter.com/oGkpWtBDlG
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
In the end, Purrazzo savaged Thunder’s arms in a double armbar, but she couldn’t get the victory just yet. Purrazzo kicked a photographer to snatch a camera to smash on Thunder’s head. Even though La Mera Mera was out cold, Purrazzo put on a double armbar through the ropes to earn the referee stoppage victory.
A lead pipe synch for @DeonnaPurrazzo as she gets the win on #AEWCollision pic.twitter.com/ytZQLx4HOg
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) June 16, 2024
Fun match and a fitting way to end the feud, if that is indeed the end. There is a high bar for women’s hardcore fights in AEW. Even though this one was enjoyable, it wasn’t on the same level as the epic clashes at the top of the list. That’s not a knock. I’m just trying to put it in perspective for those who missed out. That table dropkick should have little girls trying to recreate the moment in dining rooms across the country. The finish was awkward to believe. We’ve seen wrestlers take a tremendous amount of punishment to the noggin in hardcore matches, and all it took was a little camera to knock out Thunder. Nevertheless, the closing visual was money with Purrazzo ferociously cranking the arms of her unconscious rival. I cracked up with laughter at the Virtuosa posing in victory by stepping on Thunder’s body hunched over the ropes.
WHAT A SHOT!!! #AEWCollision pic.twitter.com/wEkQnwQSaE
— (@WrestlingCovers) June 16, 2024
Hechicero defeated Dalton Castle. This match was for the sickos. Castle was joined by the Outrunners as his boys. They were wearing little masks, so I’m not sure if Castle recognized them. The CMLL luchador was flanked by Gates of Agony, which was set up a few weeks ago in a backstage segment on Rampage. The wrestling interactions were hot. Hechicero worked the technical style, while Castle came with Greco-Roman grappling. The wizard bested the peacock with a twisting leg drop slam.
@_ReyHechicero #AEWCollision #AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/kXUPLcUbBf
— TDE Wrestling (@tde_gif) June 16, 2024
The bad guys continued to rough up Castle after the match. The Outrunners ran in for the save, and they were promptly clotheslined out of the ring. Daniel Garcia and Daddy Magic saved the day to chase off the evildoers.
Groovy showdown with a pair of characters. Hechicero showed slick movement for offense and defense. Castle hit a variety of energetic slams. The post-match activity was amusing. The Outrunners were used as a good setup for an upgrade to arrive. I want to see Castle’s reaction to Garcia dancing.
Dante Martin defeated Lee Moriarty. This bout was a qualifier for the TNT Championship ladder match at Forbidden Door. The style was high-flying versus technical. Moriarty wrecked Martin’s left arm badly, however, Martin scored a burst of offense to win. A meteora cleared the path for a frog splash victory.
THE JUDGES ARE GIVING ALL TEN AS DANTE MARTIN DUNKS HIS WAY TO THE TNT TITLE LADDER MATCH!#AEWCollision is LIVE on TNT pic.twitter.com/ef5Wu6uIfV
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) June 16, 2024
Before the match, Lio Rush looked to make amends with Dante. Darius Martin wasn’t having it.
Dante Martin tries to send a final message to Lee Moriarty before their qualifying match for the #TNT Championship Ladder Match at #ForbiddenDoor!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@Lucha_Angel1 | @DariusMartin612 | @ActionAndretti | @IAmLioRush pic.twitter.com/HDlYEAGAAm
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
After the match, Shane Taylor and Anthony Ogogo rushed the ring to attack Dante. Darius and Action Andretti tired for the save, but they were handled. Rush came out using speed to clear the ring. Despite the assistance, Darius still wasn’t trusting Rush.
Lio Rush said he would be watching the match as he comes in for the save for Dante Martin!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@lucha_angel1 | @theleemoriarty | @shane216taylor | @AnthonyOgogo | @IamLioRush pic.twitter.com/Poo6ovGD0L
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
Nice bout between future stars. I appreciate that AEW kept it clean one-on-one by banning company from ringside. That let the action speak for itself and also showed that this is an opportunity that must be earned. The wrinkle with Rush is interesting, but AEW needs to put together a recap package of the past relationship if this story has legs. I didn’t remember squat about the previous partnership between Rush and Dante a few years ago, and I had to read a quick synopsis on Wikipedia to refresh my memory.
Kyle O’Reilly defeated Anthony Henry. Roderick Strong was on commentary to explain why O’Reilly should came back to his friends. O’Reilly and Henry engaged in a mat battle with the victor snagging an armbar.
O’Reilly handled business. The closing sequence was pretty cool how O’Reilly slammed Henry in perfect position to transition for the armbar. That’s the kind of demonstration that shows expertise in chaining moves together.
Notes: Highlight package for the one-year anniversary of Collision.
Take a special look at some of the most memorable moments from the first year of #AEW Collision!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT! pic.twitter.com/JyThLsIu51
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
Hikaru Shida entered the Owen Hart Cup tournament.
The 3 Time #AEW Women’s World Champion Hikaru Shida has a special announcement!
Watch #AEWCollision 1-Year Anniversary LIVE on TNT!@ShidaHikaru pic.twitter.com/r2U0o5HXRF
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 16, 2024
Stud of the Show: Deonna Purrazzo
The Virtuosa finished Thunder Rosa in emphatic fashion to win the feud.
Match of the Night: Hechicero vs. Dalton Castle
I don’t think there was one match that stood head and shoulders above the rest on this evening, so I’m rolling with the appeal of unique matchmaking.
Grade: B-
Decent action all night long. There was variety with stylistic clashes, Forbidden Door showcases, a donnybrook with the women, and more. Humor was to be had as well. The closing direction left me confused, and that is the lasting memory of this episode.
Share your thoughts about Collision. How do you rate it? What were your favorite moments from the show?
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