AEW Collision: July 8

July 10, 2023 8:22 PM - Season 1, Episode 4

Whoops, went to a party on Saturday and completely forgot to make a post for this "quite good, actually" episode of Collision! Powerhouse Hobbs has a new direction, Scorpio Sky makes his return after nearly a year's absence, and CM Punk faces Samoa Joe in singles competition for the first time since (checks notes) 2005?!?

Since this post is going up after the show, let's have some post-show commentary from Wrestling Observer. (For best results, try to imagine Dave Meltzer's relaxing grumble as you read.)

--Owen Hart Foundation 2023 Men's Tournament Semi Final Match: Ricky Starks defeated Powerhouse Hobbs (w/ QT Marshall, Aaron Solo & Harley Cameron ringside)

A solid opener that was more about the finish than the match itself. With Johnny TV coming into the group, Hobbs leaving QTV is a foregone conclusion.

--- Miro said that he was ready to fight anyone.

-- Willow Nightingale wasn’t medically cleared noted due to injuries after her excellent match against Giulia in NJPW. Athena entered, accusing Nightingale of faking her injury to avoid another loss, noting that Nightingale lost her Strong Title in Japan. Nightingale said that she wanted the match on Rampage and said that she wanted an ROH Women’s Title shot once she wins.

--Julia Hart defeated local talent Bambi Hall. Afterwards, Malachi Black cut a promo on Andrade El Idolo, saying that Andrade holds onto his mask like a child holding onto a teddy bear. In a backstage interview, Andrade retorted his mask represents himself, his family, his culture, and his people.

--AEW World Tag Team Title Eliminator Match: Jay White & Juice Robinson defeated FTR

A stellar tag team match here. This was an FTR special, building slowly to a high crescendo and a surprising finish, with the Bullet Club Gold team earning a future title shot. If that match is as great as this one, sign me up.

--Scorpio Sky defeated Action Andretti

It’s odd that this was supposed to be a Scorpio Sky showcase, but Andretti looked far better than him. Fun fact, both of these men have pinned Chris Jericho. Although with Jericho’s recent output, that list is growing monthly... After the match, Sky shook Andretti’s hand.

--Owen Hart Foundation 2023 Men's Tournament Semi Final Match: CM Punk defeated Samoa Joe

A surprising finish, as I thought they would go further with the story of Punk never beating Joe. I do like the idea of Joe not being able to accept that things have changed after so long. This was a good main event, although I think these guys have better in them. I’m very interested in Punk vs. Starks next week, both from a quality perspective and in terms of who wins the tournament.

Also, it was announced that the next Battle of the Belts will immediately follow next week's Collision, which makes a lot more sense than putting it on after Rampage from 11PM to midnight!

posted by The Pluto Gangsta