SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
AEW COLLISION REPORT
NOVEMBER 4, 2023
WICHITA, KS. AT INTRUST BANK ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON TNT
Commentators: Kevin Kelly, Nigel McGuinness, and Tony Schiavone
Tonight after AEW Collision, join Wade Keller live with guest co-host Patrick Moynahan to break down the show with live callers and emails.
•STREAM LIVE HERE ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER THE SHOW CONCLUDES
•CALL: (347) 215-8558
•EMAIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: wadekellerpodcast@pwtorch.com
•IF YOU DON’T LISTEN LIVE, SEARCH “WADE KELLER” ON YOUR PODCAST APP TO SUBSCRIBE ANDw THEN DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE FULL SHOW TWO HOURS OR SO AFTER THE TV SHOW ENDS.
[HOUR ONE]
-They opened with soundbites from FTR, Ricky Starks & Big Bill, Jake Roberts & Lance Archer, Darby Allin, and Prince Nana & Swerve Strickland. A.R. Fox interrupted Strickland’s promo and attacked him. Archer said everyone dies. Darby said he can kill him, but he won’t die or something like that.
-The Collision opening theme by Elton John aired. Tony Schiavone introduced the show.
(1) A.R. FOX vs. “SWERVE” STRICKLAND (w/Prince Nana, Gates of Agony)
Swerve and Fox brawled down the ramp as Nana yelled encouragement to Strickland. Nigel McGuinness and Kevin Kelly talked about the backstory between Mogul Embassy and Fox. The bell rang when they entered the ring three minutes into the hour. Fox took control quickly and then crossed paths with Nana at ringside. Nana backed away and said he doesn’t want any problems. Schiavaone astutely chuckled and said if Nana doesn’t want trouble, he shouldn’t break into people’s homes. Fox leaped over the top rope and flipped onto Swerve at ringside. Fox scored a two count in the ring. Schiavone touted this as the start of a wild night. He hyped upcoming matches. With Swerve in control, they cut to a double-box break at 5:00. [c/db]
Back from the break, Fox began to fight back with some slaps from his knees. He swatted a Swerve dropkick out of the way and went for a Cutter, but Swerve blocked it. Fox landed a DDT followed by a twisting vertical suplex. He followed up with a top rope 450 splash for a near fall. Swerve went back in control and scored a two count at 10:00. Fox caught Swerve with a surprise cradle for a near fall. Swerve powerslammed Fox and then quickly landed a top rope double stomp when Fox sat up in position for it. That was good for a three count. Nana danced afterward.
WINNER: Swerve in 11:00.
-When Gates of Agony and Swerve approached Fox, FTR came out for the save. A brawl broke out in the ring as fans chanted, “FTR!” Big Bill and Starks entered the fray. Nigel said it was brave of them to come out when they didn’t have to. Dralistico, Rush, and Preston Vance then entered the ring to clear the ring of the heels. FTR offered a handshake, but Rush’s group walked past them and slapped their shoulders. Cash and Dax improvised and shook each other’s hands instead.
-They showed House of Black watching from a luxury suite. Kelly asked where they were watching from. Schiavone answered the rhetorical question: “Somewhere here in Intrust Bank Arena.”
-Kelly noted that Danny Garcia challenged MJF for his title on Rampage last night.
-A vignette aired on MJF vs. Danny Garcia this coming Wednesday on Dynamite. MJF said he’s glad Garcia called him out because “these days in All Elite Wrestling, there’s a lto of old men talking and young men dying.” MJF asked, “Am I getting one of the best professional wrestlers or the sports entertainer?”
(Keller’s Analysis: The sound mix with AEW is so unbalanced it’s difficult to hear the dialogue, unfortunately. This will be a potentially great match and I’m glad to see it, but it feels like a World Title shot should come about from more than a call-out.)
-MJF yelled backstage sarcastically about Jay White being so talented. He told Jay White that he’s been around twice as long as him, but he’s twice the star. He said he’s a nobody because on Google Trends, Jay’s line is flat and his is rising.
(Keller’s Analysis: I can’t think of anything much less relevant than who the bigger star on Google Trends when it comes defending a World Title. I mean, it’s not a good image to give to viewers that MJF searches for himself on Google Trends and that builds his self-esteem when he’s the AEW World Champion and that should mean a million times more than how often people are searching his name. I get in real life, that’s a good thing. It shouldn’t be part of his character, right? And I’d sure prefer MJF not YELL AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNG. It’s the equivalent of ALL CAPS TEXTING and it’s not pleasant or effective. Roderick Strong yells “Adam!” because he knows it’s obnoxious.)
-The Gunns and Juice Robinson sang to Jay White, “Jay pinned MJF! Jay pinned MJF!” He still had the AEW World Title belt. White said, “We told you so. Truly elite, living up to those words.” He gloated that he just pinned MJF for a while and said he’ll pin him again at Full Gear.
(Keller’s Analysis: Does AEW find all the places in arenas with the worst acoustics and set up shop there? It’d be money well spent to invest in some portable sound absorption panels. Just set up six of these behind the camera filming the promos and it’d be worlds better. Oh, I really enjoy Jay White’s promos. He said he’ll lead by example on Dynamite on Wednesday.) [c]
-Lexi Nair interviewed Kip Sabian backstage. He said on Rampage two weeks ago, Mark Briscoe attacked him unprovoked. He said he has aligned with The Workhorsemen and he challenged Briscoe to a six-man tag match.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good use of TV time that made Rampage feel more relevant with a clip from the show and it’s good to hear Sabian. When is the last time he talked on TV?)
-Matt Taven and Mike Bennett rolled Roderick Strong to the ring. Strong said the fans don’t take neck health seriously and they won’t stand for that. He said they’re going to show everyone, including “my best friend Adam,” that neck healthy is important.
(2) MATT TAVEN & MIKE BENNETT vs. JAMES MCGREGGOR & BRICKSTON
Schiavone accused Strong of milking his injury by staying in a wheel chair. Taven scored the pin on McGreggor after a stuff piledriver.
WINNERS: Taven & Bennett in 2:00.
-Strong got out of the wheel chair and drove a flying knee into McGreggor’s chest, then collapsed. Taven and Bennett helped Strong back into the chair. Nigel said that took everything out of him.
-A video package aired on the Christian Cage-Nick Wayne alliance. Schiavone plugged the six-man tag match at Full Gear with Sting & Adam Copeland & Darby vs. Christian & Wayne & Luchasaurus.
-Lexi was about to interview Mark Briscoe when FTR volunteered to be his partner. Briscoe said he can’t let them do that, but appreciated it. He said he’d let them handle their business and he’d handle his own. Briscoe acted crazy and said he can’t reveal to Lexi who his partners are.
(3) LANCE ARCHER (w/Jake “The Snake” Roberts) vs. DARBY ALLIN
Archer came out first. Then Darby. Fans chanted “Darby! Darby!” before the bell. The bell rang 32 minutes into the hour. Archer checked Darby through the ropes seconds into the match. Kelly said the average time of victory for Archer this year is 2 minutes, 2 seconds. (I predict Darby lasts longer than that.) Archer walked the top rope while holding Darby’s hands. Darby knocked him off balance and Archer crotched the top rope. Darby then dove through the ropes into Archer. He leaped onto his back, but Archer tossed him over his shoulder. Archer overhead tossed Darby. They cut to a partial double-box break at 3:00. [c/db]
Back from the break, Schiavone said it’s been all Archer during the break. Darby began to fight back and leaped onto Archer’s back with a sleeper attempt again. Archer went for a Black Out to escape, but Darby slipped free and shoved Archer into the corner. Archer climbed the turnbuckles to knee Darby as he sat on the top turnbuckle. Archer then set up a Black Out, but Darby escaped and small packaged Archer for a near fall. Darby hit Archer on the nose and then went for a springboard cutter attempt, but Archer caught him and tossed him hard to the side. Archer threw Darby head-first into the turnbuckle and then drove Darby to the mat with a high chokeslam. He tossed him over the top rope onto the ring apron next. Schiavone was aghast.
Jake was about to use Darby’s skateboard as a weapon, but the ref blocked him and ejected him. Jake retreated to the back, fuming with frustration. Darby crawled back into the ring. Archer elbowed the side of Darby’s head and then set up a chokeslam off the second rope. Darby gouged Archer’s eyes and then scratched his back, channeling “Mad Dog” Vachon. He then landed a Destroyer for the three count.
WINNER: Darby in 10:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good use of Archer. There’s no shame in losing to Darby given his stature and history in AEW.)
-Afterward, Jake said that’s not how it works. He said he didn’t come to this fight with only one piece of artillery. He then introduced The Righteous, Vincent & Dutch. Vincent said, “It’s showtime.” Archer then delivered a Blackout to Darby. Darby was down and stayed down. Kelly said Jake is building an army.
-Lexi interviewed Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, and Skye Blue. Kris thanked her for making the right decision. Skye said she didn’t do it for Kris, she did it for Willow. She wished Willow luck. Willow assured Kris they’re all friends. [c]
-Lexi interviewed Alex Abrahantes backstage. Swerve & Nana interrupted as he began talking about how Vikingo and Penta tore down the house on Rampage “and showed the world Lucha is life.” Swerve said it’s Saturday, not Friday. Alex said they shouldn’t have violated “Hangman” Pages family by breaking into his house. Penta loves one thing more than Lucha, and that’s family. He challenged him to a match so Penta can beat some respect into him. Swerve said he looks forward to seeing what’s under Penta’s mask. Alex said he has nothing to fear but Penta himself.
-The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) and Billy Gunn made their entrance. Caster rapped on his way to the ring and incorporated “69” into it a couple of times. Caster spanked one of the AEW Trios Title belts. There were pink balloons and “69” balloons in the background. Then pink streamers shot into the ring. Billy said it appears everyone was ready to have some fun. He pointed out fans’ signs. One woman said it’s her first time scissoring. He said he was skeptical and fans laughed. Bowens said they are fired the hell up and he wanted to introduce a surprise for his dear friend, Max Caster. He said Max had a pretty good weekA clip aired of MJF on the big screen.
MJF said his instinct was to say no to this request, but Caster earned his respect when he took the belt shot from White. “That was pretty cool, man,” he said. MJF said Adam Cole told him it’s okay to have more than one friend. He said he’s starting to like The Acclaimed. “Happy 69 day,” he said. Caster’s voice cracked and got high-pitched as he thanked MJF, Bowens, and Billy. He spoke about a trophy on the announce desk and said it wouldn’t have been possible without the people. Billy held up the trophy at ringside. Caster said they’ll get to 69 again and again and again. Bowens stopped him and said, “Dammit, Max. Stop being a gooner.” Gunn asked Bowens how he’s going to 69 everyone in there. “Isn’t that what Daddy’s do?” he asked. He laughed and said he’s just having fun.
Bowens said their time is up and he began to thank the fans, but then the crowd began singing, “Oh scissors me, daddy!” As Bowens said, “Everyone loves…” he was interrupted by Dalton Castle and The Boys. Kelly said their birds of a feather and they share a style and presence. Fans chanted “Dalton Castle!”
[HOUR TWO]
The Boys took the trophy from ringside and brought it into the ring. They presented it it Dalton. Dalton backed away with the trophy. Schiavone is appears they want to steal the trophy. Dalton slammed it to the mat. A brawl broke out.
(Keller’s Analysis: Well, there was no way the trophy was going to survive this segment. This ate up a lot of TV time and felt, at times, like something wrestlers do to let loose at the end of a house show. I’m not sure that’s good for viewer retention.)
(4) MAX CASTER & ANTHONY BOWENS & BILLY GUINN vs. DALTON CASTLE & THE BOYS – Trios Title match
Castle threw Caster into the ring. The ref asked if he was ready for the match to start and Caster said he was ready. The bell rang to start the impromptu match two minutes into the hour. The Boys brought a piñate into the ring. The Acclaimed broke it open and threw trinkets to the crowd as they cut to double-box break. [c/db]
Back from the break, Nigel said The Acclaimed & Billy had signed an open contract so this was Dalton & The Boys just taking advantage of it. Schiavone said a 69 celebration turned into a hell of a fight. Kelly said it’s like birthday parties at the Schiavone house. The champs hit a series of their finishers ending with Caster landing the Mic Drop on one of The Boys. Kelly noted the Acclaimed & Bill have defended nine times, one more than The House of Black. Nigel called him a nerd.
WINNERS: The Acclaimed & Billy in 6:00 to retain the Trios Title.
-Lexi interviewed Andrade El Idolo backstage. He asked if he has given any more consideration to C.J. Perry’s offer. He reiterated that last week he said he’s in business for himself, but he’d give C.J. her answer face to face next week.
(5) KIP SABIAN & THE WORK HORSEMEN vs. MARK BRISCOE & DUSTIN RHODES & KEITH LEE
Schiavone said Briscoe and Rhodes mark two great wrestling families working together. The bell rang 13 minutes into the hour. The heel trio controlled the action for several minutes against Briscoe until Briscoe made a comeback and hot-tagged in Lee. Lee beat up Sabian and then Briscoe landed a top rope elbow for the win.
WINNERS: Briscoe & Lee & Dustin in 5:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: That’s a fun, eclectic mix of personalities to perhaps stick together and eventually go after the Trios Titles.) [c]
-Lexi interviewed Briscoe backstage. He said Jay White is walking around with gold that doesn’t belong to him, so he challenged him to a match where his shot at Full Gear is on the line. He told him not to be scared and said he’s coming for him.
(Keller’s Analysis: Under no circumstances should White put his title shot on the line. That’s just dumb. It makes White seem like he makes bad choices and in the meta sense it also comes across as a phony ploy to create artificial high stakes for a match when the outcome is a foregone conclusion with or without the extra stip. Briscoe’s promos are a fun kind of unhinged that feels pretty authentic.)
(6) WILLOW NIGHTINGALE vs. EMI SAKURA
The bell rang 24 minutes into the hour. Schiavone mentioned John Cena by name and his photo appeared on the screen as they hyped his appearance on TBS’s “Wipeout” series. Kelly said Tony Khan has just made the match between Briscoe and White official for Dynamite. A minute in, Sakura landed a running bodypress into Willow as she was leaned against the ringside stairs. Back in the ring, Willow made a comeback and lifted Sakura. Sakura raked Willow’s eyes and then chopped her chest. They cut to a partial double-box break at 4:00. [c/pdb]
Willow delivered a Death Valley Driver on the ringside mat. Back in the ring, she climbed to the second rope and leaped off with a dropkick for a near fall. Schiavone said Julia Hart will face Red Velvet on Dynamite in Velvet’s first match in nearly a year. Sakura came back with a spinning beckbreaker. Both were down and slow to get up. Willow rallied with a spinebuster and a sitout powerbomb for the win.
WINNER: Willow in 10:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good to see Willow get a singles win. Her enthusiasm is her identity. I’d like to see AEW add to that.)
-Lexi interviewed Samoa Joe backstage. She congratulated him for officially becoming the longest-reinging ROH TV Champion everywhere. She also asked if he’s heard from MJF. Joe said MJF hasn’t answered him yet, but he needs someone to watch his back properly or he’ll have to endure pain every week. Joe said he’s defeated everyone as ROH TV Champ they’ve put in front of him. Keith Lee walked in and coughed to get Joe’s attention. “Joe, you’ve not beaten everyone.” Joe said they can remedy that on Wednesday. “Count me in,” said Lee.
(Keller’s Analysis: I’m eager to see that match. I wish Jim Ross was available to do guest commentary for that. It’s still not really established why ROH titles are defended on AEW TV, though.) [c]
(7) FTR & RUSH & PRESTON VANCE (w/Alex Abrahantes, Dralistico) vs. RICKY STARKS & BIG BILL & GATES OF AGONY (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
Jim Ross joined on commentary. The bell rang 43 minutes into the hour. When Ross said FTR are the best team, he asked anyone to name a better team. Nigel said Starks & Bill beat FTR for the titles and they’re better. Ross conceded the point. When Rush tagged in, Starks fled to ringside. Rush aggressively pursued him. Rush struck a pose in the ring as they cut to a double-box break. [c]
Starks walked the top rope and came down on Dax with a forearm. When Big Bill tagged in, Starks put on a headset at ringside. He talked up Big Bill. FTR attempted a Big Rig on Big Bill, but Big Bill blocked it. Rush dropkicked Bill as Bill gloated. Starks speared Rush seconds later. Both were down and slow to get up. Rush threw a roundhouse at Starks that showed light, but Starks bumped to the floor. Dax and Kaun battled. Rush helped Dax with a Big Rig. Cash threw onto Liona at ringside. Rush charged at Kaun with a running dropkick and got the pin.
WINNERS: FTR & Rush & Vance in 16:00.
-On the big screen House of Black showed up. They said FTR’s legacy is worth more than their weight in gold. Buddy Matthews said if you don’t believe them, they’ll beat it into them. Back in the ring, the House of Black were standing behind FTR. They attacked them. Wheeler Yuta and Claudio Castagnoli ran out and attacked House of Black. Yuta had a chair in hand. Claudo set up a Big Swing, but Black slipped to ringside as the show ended.
Tonight after AEW Collision, join Wade Keller live with guest co-host Patrick Moynahan to break down the show with live callers and emails.
•STREAM LIVE HERE ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER THE SHOW CONCLUDES
•CALL: (347) 215-8558
•EMAIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: wadekellerpodcast@pwtorch.com
•IF YOU DON’T LISTEN LIVE, SEARCH “WADE KELLER” ON YOUR PODCAST APP TO SUBSCRIBE ANDw THEN DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE FULL SHOW TWO HOURS OR SO AFTER THE TV SHOW ENDS.
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