{"id":213133,"date":"2026-03-08T12:28:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T17:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=213133"},"modified":"2026-03-08T12:28:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T17:28:32","slug":"aew-collision-hits-misses-3-7-26-ftr-vs-rascalz-for-aew-tag-team-titles-ciampa-heel-turn-claudio-vs-takeshita-war-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2026\/03\/08\/aew-collision-hits-misses-3-7-26-ftr-vs-rascalz-for-aew-tag-team-titles-ciampa-heel-turn-claudio-vs-takeshita-war-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"AEW COLLISION HITS &#038; MISSES (3\/7\/26) FTR vs. Rascalz for AEW Tag Team Titles, Ciampa heel turn, Claudio vs. Takeshita, War Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-1133907278\" 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 add context, my Hits are ordered from best to worst. With that said, let\u2019s move into the high points of this week\u2019s episode, starting with the most significant moments.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>HITS<\/h3>\n<p><strong>FTR\u2019S TAG TEAM TITLE DEFENSE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>FTR defending the AEW World Tag Team Titles continues to serve as a reminder of how effective traditional tag wrestling can still be when executed well.<\/p>\n<p>The structure leaned heavily on tag fundamentals. FTR slowed the pace when needed, isolated their opponent, and built their offense through teamwork rather than chaos. That style continues to distinguish them within a division that often leans toward high-speed sequences.<\/p>\n<p>The Rascalz also deserve some credit here. Their laid-back, stoner-influenced presentation may not land with everyone, but they\u2019ve quietly become a success story since joining the roster. The crowd reactions suggest they\u2019ve carved out a niche, and more importantly, they\u2019ve shown they can hang with established teams in meaningful spots.<\/p>\n<p><strong>TOMMASO CIAMPA\u2019S TURN<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tommaso Ciampa\u2019s turn following his match with Daniel Garcia was one of the more effective storytelling beats on the episode.<\/p>\n<p>The moment worked in part because it didn\u2019t feel isolated. Earlier in the show, Mark Briscoe\u2019s interaction with FTR planted a seed that paid off later when they reappeared during the Ciampa and Garcia post-match.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-1665410980\" 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>AEW television often works best when the roster feels interconnected rather than segmented into separate story bubbles. This was a good example of that approach, as the pieces introduced earlier in the show returned later in the night, helping the episode feel more cohesive.<\/p>\n<p><strong>THE WAR DOGS DEBUT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The War Dogs\u2019 debut on Collision was simple and effective.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m still a little dubious about where this group ultimately fits on the roster, but there\u2019s something refreshing about an old-fashioned squash match where a new act just runs through the nerdiest bunch of geeks the company can find. Sometimes wrestling doesn\u2019t need to be more complicated than that.<\/p>\n<p>The match served its purpose. The War Dogs looked dominant, the segment moved quickly, and the audience immediately understood what the group was supposed to represent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>LEANA KROSS &amp; MEGAN BAYNE\u2019S TAG TEAM DEBUT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Leana Kross and Megan Bayne, making their tag team debut, ended up being one of the more pleasant surprises on the show.<\/p>\n<p>For me, this was one of the stronger matches of the night. Bayne continuing to look dominant shouldn\u2019t come as a shock, but what stood out was how comfortable Kross looked in the spot. She never felt out of place and kept pace throughout the match, which helped the team appear credible right away.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-3320822884\" 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>Bayne\u2019s power offense continues to translate well on television, and pairing her with Kross gave the match a natural balance between physicality and movement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8220;TIMELESS&#8221; TONI STORM<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Toni Storm\u2019s appearance on Collision served as a strong reminder of how quickly she can command attention when given a microphone.<\/p>\n<p>Storm made her intentions clear \u2014 she wants the AEW Women\u2019s World Championship back. Her challenge to Marina for Revolution immediately gave the title picture direction while reestablishing Storm as a central figure in the division.<\/p>\n<p>The promo worked because of its focus. Storm framed the moment as a reclaiming of what she believes still belongs to her, giving the segment a clear sense of urgency.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI vs. KONOSUKE TAKESHITA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If Collision has developed a consistent identity, it\u2019s that the show tends to thrive when the emphasis is on physical, athletic wrestling matches, given room to breathe. Claudio Castagnoli and Konosuke Takeshita delivered exactly that.<\/p>\n<p>The match played to both wrestlers\u2019 strengths. Claudio\u2019s power-based offense set the structure, while Takeshita\u2019s explosiveness drove the match\u2019s momentum. Claudio\u2019s uppercuts remain one of the most believable strike exchanges in wrestling, and Takeshita continues to wrestle with a level of urgency that makes every counter feel meaningful.<\/p>\n<p><em>ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW&#8230;<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>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-rock-solid-episode-incl-mjf-vs-knight-for-aew-title-trios-title-match-thekla-vs-rosa-for-aew-title-more-2-25--70472073\">CLICK HERE<\/a> (or search \u201cwade Keller\u201d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"AEW DYNAMITE: Rock solid episode incl. MJF vs. Knight for AEW Title, Trios Title match, Thekla vs. Rosa for AEW Title, more (2\/25)\" src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?episode_id=70472073&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>SWERVE STRICKLAND\u2019S MATCH LACKED URGENCY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Swerve Strickland remains one of the most compelling performers on the roster, but this match felt like it ran longer than it needed to.<\/p>\n<p>On paper, the pairing made sense given Gravity\u2019s connection to Bandido, which at least provided some storyline logic. The issue was the match length and overall presentation. Swerve is positioned as one of AEW\u2019s most dangerous competitors, and this felt like a situation where he should have run through Gravity rather than being pushed into a more competitive back-and-forth.<\/p>\n<p>Swerve\u2019s matches tend to work best when they carry a sense of danger and unpredictability. Here, the longer structure diluted that edge and made the segment feel less decisive than it probably should have.<\/p>\n<p><strong>FINAL SCORE<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>HITS: 6<\/li>\n<li>MISSES: 1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>FINAL THOUGHTS<\/h3>\n<p>Collision continues to deliver when the focus stays on strong wrestling matches and clearly defined character moments.<\/p>\n<p>FTR\u2019s title defense reinforced the importance of tag fundamentals, while the Rascalz continue to prove they belong in meaningful spots within the division. The Ciampa turn and the overlapping involvement of Mark Briscoe and FTR also showed how effective AEW television can be when the roster feels interconnected.<\/p>\n<p>The debut of the War Dogs established a new group in decisive fashion, while Leana Kross and Megan Bayne\u2019s performance added another encouraging moment for the women\u2019s division. Toni Storm\u2019s promo further clarified the stakes heading into Revolution.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>WRESTLING HISTORY<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>On this day in 2016, on WWE Raw from Chicago, Illinois, Chris Jericho turned on tag partner AJ Styles after the duo lost a WWE Tag Team Championship match to The New Day. Jericho dropped Styles with two Codebreakers following the loss, ending the short-lived \u201cY2AJ\u201d partnership.<\/p>\n<p>The turn immediately shifted both wrestlers into a featured WrestleMania program, setting up their singles match at WrestleMania 32.<\/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.<\/p>\n<p>Did you know you can read an ad-free, silky-smooth-loading version of this website with a PWTorch VIP Membership? 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<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorchvipinfo.com\/\">CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON VIP MEMBERSHIP<\/a><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wade Keller Post-show (3\/4) - AEW Dynamite w\/Keller &amp; Kuester\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7nzvkRvDG0A?start=3&#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-3397907161\"><div id=\"pwtor-641664186\"><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 add context, my Hits are ordered from best to worst. With that said, let\u2019s move into the high points of this week\u2019s episode, starting with the most significant moments. HITS FTR\u2019S TAG TEAM <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2026\/03\/08\/aew-collision-hits-misses-3-7-26-ftr-vs-rascalz-for-aew-tag-team-titles-ciampa-heel-turn-claudio-vs-takeshita-war-dogs\/\" title=\"AEW COLLISION HITS &#038; MISSES (3\/7\/26) FTR vs. Rascalz for AEW Tag Team Titles, Ciampa heel turn, Claudio vs. Takeshita, War Dogs\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":213134,"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-213133","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-2026-03-08-at-12.27.18-PM.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213133","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=213133"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213133\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":213135,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213133\/revisions\/213135"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/213134"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=213133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=213133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=213133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}