Everything to know about AEW: Collision and how to watch

AEW is about to premiere another new TV show to add to their growing presence on TV. And it’s going to be big by bringing back one of pro wrestling’s most controversial figures, CM Punk. Here’s what to know!

Since its debut in 2019, All Elite Wrestling has provided some major action via its weekly two-hour Dynamite show on Wednesdays. It aired on TNT until moving to TBS in 2022. They added the one-hour Friday series Rampage in 2021. The company also has AEW Dark, a YouTube-only show.

AEW has continued to rise with the purchase of the Ring of Honor company in 2022. This has led to a mix of ROH wrestlers and championships alongside AEW ones. Now, they are ready to return to TNT with the upcoming AEW: Collision show, which will air on Saturday, June 17.

The plan now is for Collision to be the secondary show to Dynamite while Rampage now becomes a “developmental” show for younger wrestlers (much as WWE uses their NXT show as a way for rookies to break out).

AEW President Tony Khan didn’t clarify if AEW would do a “brand split” a la WWE or which talents will be used in Collision. He did, however, confirm it will feature the return of CM Punk.

Why is CM Punk’s return in AEW: Collision a big deal?

The longtime veteran wrestler has achieved success from ROH to WWE and is notable as one of the business’ most outspoken figures. He debuted in AEW in 2021, quickly rising up, including becoming world champion.

But, last September, after the All Out pay-per-view event, Punk got into a backstage altercation with fellow wrestlers Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. This was followed by him ranting during a post-event media scrum. The ensuing fallout had Punk leaving AEW, stripped of the World title, with the Bucks and Omega likewise leaving, thus vacating the Trios title.

In the months since, rumors have swirled around Punk, including reports he was backstage at an episode of Monday Night RAW. It’s now confirmed he will return for the show’s premiere, which makes sense as it’s his hometown of Chicago.

Between the debut of a new program to build their company and the return of a figure who always has fans guessing, AEW is out to make Collision a huge event for fans to kick this new program off in style.

AEW: Collision premieres Saturday, June 17 at 8/7c on TNT.