{"id":212808,"date":"2026-03-02T12:10:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T18:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=212808"},"modified":"2026-03-02T12:10:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T18:10:20","slug":"aew-collision-hits-misses-2-28-26-knight-challenges-mjf-kris-statlander-thunder-rosa-vs-the-sisters-of-sin-ciampa-vs-lethal-andrade-vs-ishii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2026\/03\/02\/aew-collision-hits-misses-2-28-26-knight-challenges-mjf-kris-statlander-thunder-rosa-vs-the-sisters-of-sin-ciampa-vs-lethal-andrade-vs-ishii\/","title":{"rendered":"AEW COLLISION HITS &#038; MISSES (2\/28\/26): Knight challenges MJF, Kris Statlander &#038; Thunder Rosa vs. The Sisters of Sin, Ciampa vs. Lethal, Andrade vs. Ishii"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-240755896\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><p>To help you add context, my \u201cHits\u201d are ordered from best to worst. With that said, let\u2019s move into the high points of this week\u2019s episode.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>HITS<\/h3>\n<p><strong>KEVIN KNIGHT\u2019S MIC TIME<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kevin Knight\u2019s promo stood out because it didn\u2019t try to be louder than the moment \u2014 it tried to be clear.<\/p>\n<p>Rather than leaning on bravado or buzzwords, Knight focused on what this opportunity actually represents. He framed the stakes for the biggest match of his career this Wednesday with awareness and urgency, without overselling himself or the situation.<\/p>\n<p>Collision gave him space, and Knight made it count. This didn\u2019t feel like a placeholder promo or a generic challenger spotlight. It felt like trust being placed in a wrestler at the right moment \u2014 and that\u2019s how confidence is built on television.<\/p>\n<p><strong>THUNDER ROSA AND KRIS STATLANDER<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Thunder Rosa continues to look more comfortable and assured each week, while Kris Statlander\u2019s presence adds physical credibility without hijacking the story. Across the ring, Julia Hart and Skye Blue also benefited from the structure of the match. This was arguably one of the more cohesive performances they\u2019ve had together in AEW, with their timing and roles feeling more defined than in past outings.<\/p>\n<p>The win mattered because it felt purposeful rather than overwhelming. Collision has quietly done some of its strongest women\u2019s division work by allowing matches like this to breathe, and this was another example of steady progress without forcing a headline.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-2193708856\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>THE IINSPIRATION VIDEO PACKAGE \u2013 ROLE CLARITY MATTERS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I was lukewarm on AEW signing The IInspiration when it was first announced. This video package helped reframe that decision. Instead of overselling them as saviors, Collision positioned The IInspiration as contributors \u2014 a team meant to add depth rather than leapfrog the division.<\/p>\n<p>Setting up their Dynamite debut against the Brawling Birds as a starting point, not a coronation, showed an understanding of role and timing. If the goal is to build a more functional women\u2019s tag division, this was the right tone to strike.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CIAMPA vs. LETHAL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tommaso Ciampa and Jay Lethal delivered a match that understood restraint. The pacing was measured, the structure was clear, and the match never outstayed its welcome.<\/p>\n<p>The use of ROH footage to establish their shared history added weight without over explaining. Collision trusted the audience to connect the dots, allowing the match to feel purposeful from the opening moments rather than something that needed to be artificially escalated.<\/p>\n<p>Collision doesn\u2019t always need to swing for the fences. Sometimes it benefits from precision, context, and knowing exactly when to end. This match checked all three boxes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>TONI STORM\u2019S STRAIGHTFORWARD WIN<\/strong><\/p><div id=\"pwtor-402046430\" class=\"pwtor-content-1 pwtor-entity-placement\"><!-- Tag ID: pwtorchcom_test_300x600 -->\r\n<div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __300x600\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>This was a strong night for Zayda Steel as much as it was for Toni Storm. Working with Storm gave Steel a chance to operate within a clear structure, and she made the most of it. Her timing and selling were sharper, and the match benefited from Storm controlling the pace without it feeling instructional.<\/p>\n<p>The win was decisive without being dismissive, which allowed Steel to come out of the match looking credible rather than incidental. The post-match moment added texture. Marina&#8217;s involvement and Storm pulling Yuta\u2019s beanie off were small, character-driven beats that landed because they felt intentional rather than excessive.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ANDRADE VS. ISHII<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Andrade continues to thrive in moments that blur the line between arrogance and humor. His in-match antics drew attention without undermining the contest, and Bandido&#8217;s post-match involvement added unpredictability without excess.<br \/>\nThe teased handshake \u2014 and rejection \u2014 was a simple yet effective visual. Collision excels when it uses small moments to suggest a larger direction, and this angle accomplished that without overstating its importance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>SHOW PACING &amp; PRODUCTION<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of AEW\u2019s quiet strengths right now is its understanding of television rhythm. Even on nights where a match may run longer than I\u2019d prefer, the overall formatting has improved noticeably.<\/p>\n<p>Collision benefited from purposeful pacing. Video packages introduced or reframed characters, recap segments served as reminders rather than redundancy, and promos were positioned to support momentum rather than interrupt it.<br \/>\nThis is something I mentioned with Wade Keller on the PWTorch Dynamite post-show earlier in the week, and it applies here as well. AEW has been more intentional about how its shows flow \u2014 not just what happens, but when and why. That attention to structure helps new or returning viewers stay oriented while giving established acts room to breathe.<\/p>\n<p><em>ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW&#8230;<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Check out the latest episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show covering the latest episode of Dynamite: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spreaker.com\/episode\/aew-dynamite-mjf-s-two-headed-coin-backfires-swerve-cuts-a-not-so-heel-promo-after-his-turn-keller-zilem-2-25--70294418\">CLICK HERE<\/a> (or search \u201cwade Keller\u201d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"AEW DYNAMITE: MJF's two-headed coin backfires, Swerve cuts a not-so-heel promo after his turn - Keller &amp; Zilem (2\/25)\" src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?episode_id=70294418&amp;theme=light&amp;playlist=false&amp;playlist-continuous=false&amp;chapters-image=true&amp;episode_image_position=right&amp;hide-logo=false&amp;hide-likes=false&amp;hide-comments=false&amp;hide-sharing=false&amp;hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200px\" frameborder=\"0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>MISSES<\/h3>\n<p><strong>DEATH RIDERS \/ DON CALLIS FAMILY FATIGUE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The issue here wasn\u2019t execution \u2014 it was repetition<\/p>\n<p>The Death Riders and the Don Callis Family have been prominently positioned for weeks, and while the video footage was competently produced, it didn\u2019t advance the story in a meaningful way. The beats were familiar, the tone unchanged, and the tension felt maintained rather than escalated.<\/p>\n<p>That creates fatigue. Not because the rivalry lacks heat, but because Collision didn\u2019t offer a fresh wrinkle or reframing to justify more screen time this week. When a feud is well established, each appearance must either deepen the conflict or redirect it. This segment did neither.<\/p>\n<p>Collision is at its best when it uses restraint to build anticipation. In this case, less exposure \u2014 not more \u2014 may have better served the angle.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>FINAL SCORE<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>HITS: 7<\/li>\n<li>MISSES: 1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>FINAL THOUGHTS<\/h3>\n<p>This episode of Collision felt like connective tissue done right.<\/p>\n<p>At its best, the show focused on positioning and clarity. Kevin Knight\u2019s confidence-building promo, the continued improvement within the women\u2019s division, and the show\u2019s strong pacing and production reflected a broadcast that understood its purpose and trusted its audience.<\/p>\n<p>Collision aligned its pieces with intent rather than excess, and that restraint remains its defining strength.<\/p>\n<h3>WRESTLING HISTORY<\/h3>\n<p>On this day in 2009, Ring of Honor began a new chapter with its first round of television tapings for its weekly slot on HDNet. The taping was headlined by Brian Danielson scoring a submission win over Austin Aries.<\/p>\n<h3>PODCAST PLUG<\/h3>\n<p>Be sure to check out the Collision Caf\u00e9 I host with PWTorch\u2019s Taylor Halley, available exclusively to PWTorch VIP members.<br \/>\nDid you know you can read an ad-free, silky-smooth-loading version of this website with a P<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorchvipinfo.com\/\">WTorch VIP Membership<\/a>? Also, unlock 35+ years of archives, including nearly 2,000 PWTorch Weekly Newsletters dating back to the late 1980s, hundreds of retro radio shows from the 1990s, and two decades of podcasts, including Post-PPV Roundtable Podcasts dating back to the mid-2000s. Plus, new VIP-exclusive articles and podcasts throughout the week, fully compatible with the native Apple Podcasts app.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorchvipinfo.com\/\">CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON VIP MEMBERSHIP<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wade Keller Post-show (2\/25) - AEW Dynamite w\/Keller &amp; Zilem\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/a90SUi9LbpM?start=5&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-2698779889\"><div id=\"pwtor-4134960606\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>To help you add context, my \u201cHits\u201d are ordered from best to worst. With that said, let\u2019s move into the high points of this week\u2019s episode. HITS KEVIN KNIGHT\u2019S MIC TIME Kevin Knight\u2019s promo stood <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2026\/03\/02\/aew-collision-hits-misses-2-28-26-knight-challenges-mjf-kris-statlander-thunder-rosa-vs-the-sisters-of-sin-ciampa-vs-lethal-andrade-vs-ishii\/\" title=\"AEW COLLISION HITS &#038; MISSES (2\/28\/26): Knight challenges MJF, Kris Statlander &#038; Thunder Rosa vs. The Sisters of Sin, Ciampa vs. Lethal, Andrade vs. Ishii\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":212810,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,28,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-212808","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opnionandanalysis","category-specialists_hitsandmisses","category-specialists"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-02-at-12.04.54-PM.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212808","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=212808"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212808\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":212811,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212808\/revisions\/212811"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/212810"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=212808"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=212808"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=212808"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}