By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
AEW Collision (Episode 80)
February 8, 2025 in Houston, Texas at Fort Bend County Epicenter
Simulcast live on TNT and Max
[Hour One] Collision opened with brief pre-taped promos from Mark Briscoe followed by Kyle Fletcher, who was with Brian Cage, Lance Archer, and Mark Davis. Fletcher said his Don Callis Family members would not get involved. Davis looked annoyed by Fletcher… The Collision opening aired…
Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness checked in from their broadcast table at ringside and ran through the show’s lineup. Suddenly, a security guard was shown flying through the air in front of them. The camera showed that the security guard was tossed by Marina Shafir.
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley hopped the barricade and then got a microphone and entered the ring with Shafir. Moxley said he’s getting sick of Adam Copeland. Moxley recalled Copeland challenging him to a title match. Moxley asked if Copeland was going to throw his weight around, then said he has no power here.
Moxley said he had about a thousand reasons not to give Copeland a title shot. He said the simplest one is that he doesn’t like Copeland. Moxley said Copeland doesn’t know a single thing about him, AEW, or being AEW World Champion. Moxley told Copeland to take his challenge and stick it up his ass.
Moxley said that they could have a fight and told Copeland to bring his friend Jay White to Gran Slam Australia and he’ll whip both of their asses. Moxley said if he decides it’s time to break Copeland’s neck, he won’t come back from that. Moxley and Shafir left the ring, hopped the barricade, and headed backstage…
Powell’s POV: Although I can’t say that Moxley vs. Copeland headlining a pay-per-view does much for me, they are taking a smart approach by having Moxley refuse to accept the challenge. The more Moxley resists, the more likely it is that a good number fans will want to see the match. My guess is that they’ll give Copeland a win over Moxley on the Grand Slam show to force the hand of the Moxley character…
The broadcast team ran through a list of previously advertised matches and segments… Ring announcer Arkady Aura delivered the introductions for the opening match while the entrances took place…
1. Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly vs. Shane Taylor, Shawn Dean, and Carlie Bravo vs. Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard, and Angelo Parker in a three-way trios match. Two wrestlers were legally allowed in the ring at one time. Dean performed a cutter from the floor on Garcia, who was on the apron. Bravo dove onto Garcia, and then Taylor dropped a leg on him heading into a picture-in-picture break. [C]
Garcia performed a side suplex on Taylor, which got a rise out of the crowd. Just as Garcia was going to tag out, Dean and Bravo pulled Menard and Parker off the apron. Garcia eventually dove under a Bravo clotheslined and tagged O’Reilly.
Cole tagged in and hit a neckbreaker on Bravo and had him beat, but Menard broke up the pin. There was a series of big moves hit by the various players that Cole capped off with a superkick on Taylor. Cole played to the crowd and was rolled up by Bravo for a near fall.
A short time later, O’Reilly hit a series of stikes on Garcia, who came bakc with a suplex. Bravo and Dean hit a double Stomp on Garcia. Taylor caught Parker with a headbutt and then hit a package piledriver, causing Parker to roll to the floor. Cole’s team worked over Taylor and put him down at ringside. In the ring, Cole caught Bravo with a superkick. Cole followed up with the Boom knee strike and then pinned Bravo clean.
Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly defeated Shane Taylor, Shawn Dean, and Carlie Bravo, and Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard, and Angelo Parker in 13:10 in a three-way trios match.
After the match, Cole offered Garcia a handshake, but Wheeler Yuta ran in and hit Cole from behind, which knocked him into Garcia. Pac and Claudio Castagnoli joined in on the beatdown. Pac and Yuta held Cole’s arms while Castagoli spoke over the house mic.
Castagnoli said he just wanted to congratulate Cole’s team on their victory, but he wanted to remind them who the best trio is. Cole told Castagnoli that he picked a fight with the wrong trio. Strong returned and dropped Castagnoli with a high knee strike. O’Reilly put Yuta in an ankle lock. Yuta tapped until Castagnoli pulled him out of the ring.
Cole got the mic and said he was sick of the Death Riders trio thinking they could do whatever they want. Cole recalled saying that the Undisputed Kingdom would prove that they are the best trio. He said he thinks they should cash in on that promise. Cole said the Undisputed Kingdom will face Castagnoli, Pac, and Yuta for the AEW Trios Titles on Wednesday’s Dynamite. Cole vowed to whoop their asses and win the titles…
Powell’s POV: An action packed opening match that was well received by the crowd. Three-way trios matches normally feel as meaningless as all-star eight-man tag matches, but I think both types of matches come off better opening shows than being featured in the main event position. Did I miss something or did Cole just book his own AEW Trios Title match? You know who wouldn’t tolerate that? Ava! Okay, never mind.
A video package spotlighted “FTR” Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler. They spoke about how they’ve taken a backseat and said that ends now. Harwood said they need to hold the AEW Tag Team Titles for the third time… [C]
Max Caster was interviewed by Alicia Atout in the backstage area. Caster said Hangman Page got upset with him on Dynamite when he simply wanted to speak to the people. Caster said he wouldn’t call him Hangman, he thinks of him as HangPerson. Caster mentioned his open challenge and questioned who can survive the Best Wrestler Alive on Dynamite…
2. Bandido vs. Bryan Keith. Both entrances were televised. Bandido went for a top rope move and was caught by a Keith punch before an early PIP break. [C] Keith suplexed Bandido from the top rope. A “Halftime Harley” countdown clock graphic was shown for the Harley Cameron concert.
Both men went back to back at one point and then turned and nodded simultaneously. They each went to a corner and then charged and hit simultaneous big boots that put both men down and drew “holy shit” chants from the crowd. Bandido took offensive control and hit the 21 Plex for the win…
Bandido beat Bryan Keith in 10:05.
Powell’s POV: A good match. The live crowd has been really hot so far.
Lexi Nair stood with Powerhouse Hobbs and noted that he asked for this time. Hobbs said he would be in Austin for AEW Dynamite and would be looking for a fight with Big Bill…
3. “La Faccion Ingobernable” Rush, Dralistico, and The Beast Mortos vs. Ares Alexander, Jay Alexander, and Brick Savage. The LFI entrance was televised while their opponents were already inside the ring. LFI dominated. Rush hit Bull’s Horns on Ares and then pinned him.
“La Faccion Ingobernable” Rush, Dralistico, and The Beast Mortos defeated Ares Alexander, Jay Alexander, and Brick Savage in 1:25.
LFI roughed up the enhancement wrestlers afterward. Komander ran out with Alex Abrahantes and got the better of the LFI trio briefly. LFI got Komander down and were about to remove his mask when the lights went out.
Hologram’s video played and concluded with the words “Upgrade Complete.” Hologram got the better of LFI and hit a couple of flashy moves on Mortos. Hologram and Komander hit stereo dives onto Dralistico and Mortos and then fought them to the back.
Rush was in the ring with a chair when he was surrounded by three referees. Rush shoved one referee and then blasted another with a forearm shot to the head. Rush grabbed the mask he wears to the ring and put it on his head…
Powell’s POV: The match was a title squash win for LFI. It was an eye-roller when LFI had all the time in the world to remove Komander’s mask and were apparently frozen by entrance music, but it was good to see Hologram back for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury back in October.
Lexi Nair attempted to speak with Megan Bayne, who ignored her. Thunder Rosa popped out of nowhere and gave and over the top welcome to AEW. Rosa held up her hand for a high-five, but Bayne just stared at her and eventually walked away. Rosa spoke to Nair about being in Texas and facing Penelope Ford… [C]
Harley Cameron stood in the ring with a microphone and a couple of guitars. She also showed that she had her Mercedes Mone puppet with her. Cameron sang a song called “The Money Train” until she was interrupted by entrance music.
[Hour Two] TBS Champion Mercedes Mone made their entrance and spoke as she walked the ring. Mone asked if Cameron is stupid or dumb, then said no one came to watch her halftime show. Mone entered the ring and told the Houston crowd to say hello to their CEO.
Mone was about to call Cameron a loser, but Cameron cut her off to say legend instead. Cameron sang her next song “Feel The Wrath”. Mone danced along for a moment before she cut her off. Mone said Cameron is talented, but they needed to get real. Mone looked at Cameron’s chest and said, “That is if there’s anything real about you.” Mone told Cameron that she’s not on her level and called her a loser.
A “Harley” chant broke out. Cameron said she’s new to this and can only dream to achieve in her career what Mone already has. Cameron said she’s here today and she’s not stopping. Cameron said Mone is a game changer, but the most entertaining she’s ever been is “when I had my hand up your puppet ass.”
Mone slapped Cameron, who got fired up and yelled “Feel The Wrath” before hitting Mone with the microphone. Mone went to ringside and got a mic. Mone granted Cameron the TBS Title shot at Grand Slam Australia and said she would embarrass her in front of her friends and family. Cameron played to the crowd and they chanted her name again…
Powell’s POV: They got where they needed to and the fans were with Cameron, but I can’t help but feel a little underwhelmed by the “concert” part of the segment. It’s not that Cameron was bad, it’s that she didn’t get much of a chance to perform her songs. Nevertheless, Cameron is fun and I am looking forward to seeing what kind of match she can have with Mone.
Lexi Nair sat in a chair next to Buddy Matthews and another chair. She said Kazuchika Okada was supposed to join them, but he wasn’t there. Okada showed up and took his seat. Matthews said it will be Australia’s best versus Japan’s best when they meet at Grand Slam Australia. Murphy asked Okada to look him in the eye and tell him if he believes what he’s saying or if it’s just a facade. Okada laughed and called him a bitch. Matthews teased hitting Okada, who flinched. Murphy told Okada he would see him in Brisbane…
Dustin Rhodes made his entrance while his opponent
4. Dustin Rhodes vs. Izzy James. Rhodes hit CrossRhodes and scored the pin…
Dustin Rhodes beat Izzy James in 0:30.
Dustin got a mic after the match and cut a promo on MJF. Dustin said MJF calls himself the devil, but he’s not the devil. Dustin said he went to hell and looked the devil in the eye and kicked his teeth in. Dustin said he ripped, teared, and crawled his way out. Dustin called himself a survivor. He said he’s the last of his kind.
Dustin said that whatever MJF thinks he’s going to do to him has already been done. Dustin said he will drag MJF to hell and he’ll meet the actual devil when they meet on Dynamite. Dustin said he will give MJF a Texas-sized ass whooping for the ages. Dustin wondered if the business will remember MJF once he’s done. “They will damn sure remember me,” Dustin closed…
AEW Trios Champions Pac, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta delivered a backstage promo. Pac said they’ve been champions for what feels like an eternity and very few have had the guts to stand up to them. Pac said they welcome the challenge of Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly and look forward to making an example of them. Castagnoli said the Undisputed Kingdom have teeth and are worth their time. Castagnoli said it’s too bad they’ll have to pull their teeth on Dynamite…
Powell’s POV: So Britt Baker is joining the Death Riders?!? Yes, I’m kidding. Dustin’s promo was basically a repeat of his promo from Dynamite.
Thunder Rosa made her entrance with Toro, the mascot of the Houston Texans. Penelope Ford’s entrance followed…
5. Thunder Rosa (w/Toro) vs. Penelope Ford. Schiavone noted that this was Ford’s first match of 2025. Ford was getting the better of Rosa heading into a PIP break. [C] Ford hit a handspring back elbow and then went 2018 Brad Marchand on Rosa by licking her face. Rosa fought back, but Ford dropped her with a cutter for a near fall. Rosa rallied with a Backstabber and then hit the Tijuana Bomb for the win…
Thunder Rosa beat Penelope Ford in 10:05.
After the match, Megan Bayne made her entrance and joined Rosa inside the ring. Ford returned and hit Rosa from behind. Ford worked over Rosa with punches and then exited the ring. Bayne removed her headdress and then hoisted up Rosa and hit her with an F5…
Powell’s POV: Whenever I see Ford wrestle, I always seem to come away wishing the company would make her a player as opposed to someone who loses their majority of her matches. I can’t be the only one who was hoping that Bayne was going to hit her finisher on Toro.
Footage aired from last night’s Defy Wrestling event in Seattle for a quick angle that took place with Swerve Strickland getting the better of Ricochet while Prince Nana stood by…
Powell’s POV: Chris Vetter’s review of that Defy show is available on the main page if you’re looking for a full recap of the angle and a pretty loaded independent show.
Bun B was interviewed by Lexi Nair until Ricochet interrupted them. Ricochet wore the Embassy robe and noted that Bun B is close with Swerve Strickland. Ricochet told B that it’s no longer Swerve’s House. Ricochet tried one of B’s Trill Burgers and spat it out. A worker told Ricochet that everyone seemed to like them. Ricochet grabbed the worker and intimidated him. Ricochet told B to tell Nana thanks for the jacket, then did the laugh in his face… [C]
AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May made her entrance carrying a black bag and her title belt. Her opponent was already inside the ring…
6. AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May vs. Shay Karmichael in a Glamorous exhibition match. May dropkicked Karmichael and the referee called for the bell. Schiavone noted that Karmichael somewhat resembled Toni Storm. May hit her Mayday finisher and got the pin.
AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May beat Shay Karmichael in 0:35 in a Glamorous exhibition match.
After the match, May pulled a black cloak out of her bag and put it on Karmichael. May smeared lipstick on Karmichael’s face. A “we want Toni” chant broke out.
Luther made his entrance dressed in a black suit with white gloves and a white bowtie. Luther brought a tray to the ring and removed the cover once he was on the apron to reveal the blood-stained white shoe that May struck Toni Storm with. May grabbed the shoe and was going to hit Karmichael with it, but Storm had replaced Karmichael. Storm got the better of May until she slipped away…
Powell’s POV: Luther! Does the black suit have any significance? His character has been devoted to Storm from the start, but this is pro wrestling. In other words, I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t turn on her someday and it’s at least possible it could happen next week in Australia.
Backstage, Lance Archer and Brian Cage worked over some independent wrestlers while Mark Davis stood by. Cage told Davis that he needed to get his hands dirty. Davis slammed an object over the head of one of the local wrestlers, who were all left lying… [C] Entrances for the main event took place…
7. Kyle Fletcher vs. Mark Briscoe. The bell rang to start the match and Fletcher immediately hit Briscoe with a big boot. Briscoe battled back and set up for a Cactus Jack elbow from the apron, but Fletcher stood up and caught him. Fletcher tossed Briscoe head-first into the ring post. Briscoe came up bleeding. Fletcher powerbombed Briscoe on the ring apron heading into a PIP break. [C]
Briscoe battled back and set up for the Cutthroat Driver, which McGuinness said was the same move he used to beat Fletcher in the Continental Classic tournament. Fletcher grabbed the referee and got away. Briscoe wound up to hit Fletcher, who ducked, causing the referee to flinch and turn away out of fear of Briscoe’s punch hitting him.
Fletcher hit Briscoe with a low blow and a brainbuster for a near fall. Fletcher hit a half-and-half suplex. Briscoe shot right up, but Fletcher hit him with the same move two more times. Briscoe stood up and then stumbled backwards and fell through the ropes to the apron.
Fletcher rolled to the floor and moved a table into position. Fletcher went to the middle rope and set up for a superplex through the table, but Briscoe fought him off and sent him to ringside. Briscoe jumped from the ropes and hit an elbow drop on a standing Fletcher, causing both men to crash through the table.
Briscoe got Fletcher back in the ring and hit him with Froggy Bow for a near fall that the live crowd bought into. Briscoe placed Fletcher on the top turnbuckle and then knocked him off with a punch. Briscoe went up top and pulled Fletcher up for a Jay Driller, but Fletcher slipped away and hit Briscoe with a couple of kicks. Fletcher hit an brainbuster on the top turnbuckle and scored the pin…
Kyle Fletcher defeated Mark Briscoe.
Schiavone ran through the lineup for next week’s AEW Grand Slam, which airs after NBA All-Star Saturday coverage on TNT and Max. Fletcher got the mic and said, “I told you.” Fletcher was right when he said Briscoe beating him was a fluke. He said he would do the same to Will Ospreay next week. He said he will prove that the Best Bout Machine and the Aerial Assassin are no the future because he is…
Powell’s POV: A strong main event. As much as I like Briscoe, I’m happy they gave Fletcher his win back. Fletcher is one of the wrestlers the company should be building around. I’m really looking forward to him and Konosuke Takeshita facing Ospreay and Omega next week.
Overall, a solid edition of the Saturday night show. They did a nice job of continuing the build to the Grand Slam Australia show. In fact, it feels like the build for this special edition of Collision has been more focussed than the build for some AEW pay-per-view events. I’ll be covering it live as it airs next week, so stop back and watch along with me. Will Pruett’s weekly AEW Collision audio reviews are available exclusively for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Enjoy the rest of your weekend and the big game tomorrow.
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