The Thursday, May 22 edition of AEW Collision delivered an exciting lineup of matches and dramatic moments, showcasing a mix of established stars and rising talents. Taped in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the event featured a mixture of matches and segments that heightened the anticipation for the upcoming Double or Nothing pay-per-view.
The show kicked off with a dark match where Manny Lemons triumphed over Jon Cruz, who gained significant heat from the audience with scathing comments about Albuquerque and a harsh critique of the series “Breaking Bad.” Lemons, with support from the crowd, capitalized on this momentum and secured a win with his finishing move, the “lemon drop.” The presence of referee Bryce Remsburg also added to the high spirits of the audience.
In a major segment, TNT Champion Adam Cole joined Tony Schiavone for commentary during a contract signing between FTR and Nigel McGuinness & Daniel Garcia. Tensions escalated as the FTR duo displayed their trademark bravado, delivering scathing remarks about New Mexico. The heated confrontation culminated in McGuinness and Garcia locking FTR in submission holds, setting the stage for a climactic showdown at Double or Nothing.
The matches showcased a diversity of talent, with Konosuke Takeshita teaming with RPG Vice to defeat The Outrunners and Bandido in a lively encounter. The match featured a showcase of athletic moves and strong teamwork, emphasizing the exciting in-ring action AEW is known for.
Josh Alexander continued to establish himself with a strong victory over AR Fox. Following this match, Callis confirmed a thrilling challenge for the Double or Nothing event: a match pitting Kyle Fletcher, Takeshita, and Alexander against Cole and his allies, Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly—a bout that promises to deliver high stakes.
TBS Champion Mercedes Mone retained her title in a hard-fought match against Reyna Isis, only to have Jamie Hayter confront her post-match, adding personal animosity to their potential future clash. Further fanning the flames of upcoming rivalries, Mistico and his team faced off against Los Depredadores with a thrilling conclusion that showcased the best of Lucha Libre.
In the night’s finale, a match featuring Komander and “Speedball” Mike Bailey against Rush & Dralistico left the crowd on their feet, especially with Bailey’s jaw-dropping moves. The excitement peaked as Bailey confronted Okada, bringing a dramatic close to the event.
Tony Khan, addressing the crowd following the show, remarked on the significance of this event being only the second nationally televised wrestling show ever held in New Mexico, promising fans that it won’t be the last. His comments reflect AEW’s commitment to expanding its presence and engaging fans across various regions, fostering a positive outlook for future events.
The episode was packed with action and intrigue, creating a buzz among fans as they look forward to Double or Nothing. Each match and segment contributed to building compelling storylines, demonstrating AEW’s position as a leader in professional wrestling.