In a night filled with jaw-dropping moments and incredible in-ring action, AEW Collision made its highly anticipated debut at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, on Saturday, March 30, 2024. The live broadcast, emanating from the electric atmosphere of the sold-out arena, showcased the unparalleled talent and storytelling that has become synonymous with All Elite Wrestling.
The event kicked off with a bang as TNT Champion Adam Copeland, known for his legendary career as “The Rated R Superstar,” issued an open challenge for his coveted title. The challenge was answered by none other than “The Deathmatch King” Matt Cardona, setting the stage for a mentor-versus-protégé showdown that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. In a hard-fought battle that showcased the respect and rivalry between the two competitors, Copeland managed to retain his championship with a devastating spear, but the night took a shocking turn when Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews of the House of Black launched a vicious attack on Copeland, Mark Briscoe, and Eddie Kingston, igniting a new and intense rivalry that left fans clamoring for more.
The AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament continued with two explosive quarterfinal matches. FTR, the seasoned duo of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, faced off against the up-and-coming team of Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo, collectively known as The Infantry. Despite an impressive showing from The Infantry, who displayed their athleticism and teamwork, FTR’s experience and flawless execution proved too much to overcome. With a devastating Shatter Machine, FTR secured their spot in the next round, further solidifying their status as one of the top tag teams in the world.
In the other quarterfinal match, Top Flight’s Dante and Darius Martin pulled off a stunning upset against the formidable team of Ricky Starks and Big Bill. The high-flying brothers, known for their breathtaking aerial maneuvers and seamless coordination, left the crowd in awe as they outmaneuvered their opponents. With a perfectly executed tandem offense, culminating in a DDT from Darius, Top Flight secured the victory and advanced to the next round, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the tag team division.
The women’s division also took center stage, with Thunder Rosa, a fan favorite known for her hard-hitting style and unwavering determination, taking on the rising star Lady Frost. In a match that showcased the depth and talent of AEW’s women’s roster, both competitors left it all in the ring. Despite a valiant effort from Lady Frost, who nearly pulled off an upset with her Chiller Driller, Thunder Rosa’s experience and tenacity shone through. With a devastating backstabber followed by a Tijuana Bomb, Thunder Rosa secured the victory, further cementing her position as a top contender for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
The main event of the night featured a star-studded trios match that had fans buzzing with anticipation. Lance Archer, known as “The Murderhawk Monster,” teamed up with The Righteous, the sinister duo of Dutch and Vincent, to take on the dream team of Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, and the legendary Katsuyori Shibata. In a match filled with hard-hitting moves, near falls, and jaw-dropping moments, the six competitors pushed each other to their limits. The chemistry between Danielson, Castagnoli, and Shibata was on full display as they unleashed a barrage of strikes and high-impact maneuvers. In the end, it was Shibata who secured the victory for his team, pinning Vincent after a devastating PK, sending the crowd into a frenzy and solidifying the trio’s dominance.
Following the conclusion of AEW Collision, the excitement continued as the company taped episodes of AEW Rampage for broadcast on April 5. The Rampage tapings featured several noteworthy matches that kept the energy levels high throughout the night.
In a highly anticipated encounter, “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels faced off against the enigmatic Malakai Black. Daniels, a veteran of the industry, showcased his technical prowess and aerial skills, while Black brought his unique blend of striking and mind games to the match. The two competitors engaged in a back-and-forth battle that kept the audience guessing until the very end. In a shocking twist, Black’s partner, Buddy Matthews, interfered, allowing Black to capitalize and secure the victory with his signature Black Mass kick.
Another highlight of the Rampage tapings was the AEW International Championship Eliminator Match between champion Roderick Strong and the hometown hero, London Lightning. Strong, accompanied by his Undisputed Kingdom stablemates, Mike Bennett and Matt Taven, looked to assert his dominance and prove his worth as champion. London Lightning, fueled by the support of his hometown crowd, put up a valiant effort, showcasing his agility and determination. However, the numbers game proved too much to overcome, as Wardlow, aligned with Strong, made his presence felt with a devastating lariat, allowing Strong to secure the victory with his patented Texas Cloverleaf submission.
The Rampage tapings concluded with a thrilling Final Four Elimination Match, featuring Daniel Garcia, Bryan Keith, Action Andretti, and Komander. The four rising stars of AEW left it all in the ring, displaying their unique styles and abilities. Garcia’s technical prowess, Keith’s hard-hitting offense, Andretti’s high-flying maneuvers, and Komander’s lucha libre-inspired moves created a fast-paced and unpredictable match. In the end, it was Garcia who emerged victorious, showcasing his grit and determination as he forced Andretti to tap out to his signature submission hold.
After the event was over and the TV cameras were off, fans had a personal moment with Garcia, who took the mic and talked a bit about his history, as well as wrestling in London many times over the years. He read some signs from fans like “Where The Best Wrestle” and spoke about his passion for the sport and the AEW team and company.
AEW’s debut in London, Ontario, was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the passionate Canadian crowd. With shocking moments, incredible matches, and the seeds planted for future rivalries, AEW Collision and the subsequent Rampage tapings solidified the company’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling.
All photos by Dan Savoie
