Category: AEW Collision

Zach Gowen Makes Surprising TV Return After 22 Years on AEW Collision, Set for In-Ring Clash With Ricochet Next Week On Dynamite: Beach Break

Pro wrestling fans were in for a nostalgic shock during this week’s AEW Collision as Zach Gowen — yes, that Zach Gowen — made his first national TV appearance in over two decades. For many, it was a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment, but longtime fans of the early 2000s WWE era instantly recognized the one-legged wrestling pioneer in the crowd. And his presence wasn’t just for show — it was a set-up for something much more personal.

Gowen, who famously competed in WWE, TNA, and the original Ring of Honor, was spotted ringside during the show. Things took a dramatic turn after Ricochet’s match with Angelico. The high-flyer, fresh off a heel turn, took a detour into villainy by taunting Gowen — first with some feigned admiration, then turning full-blown disrespectful.

After mocking Gowen’s legacy, Ricochet escalated the situation by assaulting security and attempting to cut one of their hair. That’s when Gowen had seen enough. He stepped into the ring and stood his ground, even getting a few shots in on Ricochet. But the feel-good moment turned brutal when Ricochet targeted Gowen’s leg, ultimately removing his prosthetic limb in a symbolic (and shocking) act of dominance.

Following the segment, Gowen took to social media to reflect on his return to the spotlight.

“I haven’t been on a national TV wrestling program in 22 years. Thank you to those that remembered me!!! I haven’t forgotten about y’all either,” he wrote. “The magic of professional wrestling is still very much alive in my soul and I’m so grateful I get to share that once again 🙏.”

The good news? This wasn’t just a one-off nostalgia spot. AEW has confirmed that Gowen will make his official in-ring debut for the promotion next week on Dynamite: Beach Break, where he’ll square off against Ricochet in what’s shaping up to be a must-see clash.

It’s a rare chance for fans to see a full-circle moment — the return of a unique talent who broke barriers, now entering a new chapter with a chip on his shoulder and a chance to shut down one of AEW’s most dangerous new villains.

AEW Collision Preview 5/8/2025

AEW Collision airs live tonight on TBS and Max, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

  • Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander
  • Anthony Bowens vs. Lee Johnson
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Dralistico
  • Daniel Garcia vs. Cash Wheeler OR Dax Harwood

AEW Collision Preview 5/3/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TBS and Max at 8pm ET. from the Adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

  • AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Lady Frost
  • Megan Bayne vs. Harley Cameron
  • Brody King vs. Josh Alexander

AEW Collision Preview 4/26/2025

AEW presents the AEW Collision Playoff Palooza show tonight. Tonight’s show will air immediately following the NBA Playoffs on TNT.

  • ROH World Championship Match Bandido vs. Dralistico
  • Tornado Tag Team Match: Top Flight vs. CRU
  • AEW Women’s Championship Eliminator Match: Toni Storm vs. Queen Aminata
  • FTR vs. Paragon (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong)
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Blake Christian
  • Rush vs. AR Fox
  • Anna Jay in action
  • Best Wrestler Alive Max Caster Open Challenge

AEW Collision ‘Spring Break Thru’ Preview 4/17/2025

AEW Collision ‘Spring Break Thru’ airs live tonight on TBS and Max from the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts.

  • ROH World Television Championship: Komander (c) vs. Nick Wayne
  • AEW TNT Championship: Adam Cole (c) vs. TBD
  • Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron vs. Julia Hart & Kris Statlander (Toni Storm on commentary)

AEW Collision Preview 4/12/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TNT and Max from the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA.

  • Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament Match: Athena vs. Harley Cameron
  • Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament Match: Jamie Hayter vs. Billie Starkz
  • Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament Match: Brody King vs. Konosuke Takeshita
  • Anthony Bowens vs. Blake Christian
  • Megan Bayne vs. TBA
  • We’ll hear from FTR

AEW Collision Preview 4/5/2025

AEW Collision tonight on TBS and Max taped Wednesday night from the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois.

  • Cash Wheeler vs. AEW Trios Champion Pac
  • Top Flight vs. Cru ( Action Andretti & Lio Rush)
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Dralistico – (Ricochet on commentary)
  • Powerhouse Hobbs & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita
  • AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone` & Harley Cameron vs. ROH Women’s world Champion Athena & Julia Hart
  • Sitdown with Daniel Garcia and Adam Cole
  • Best Wrestler Alive Max Caster Open Challenge
  • We’ll hear from Jay White

Tony Khan Open to Moving “AEW Collision” from Saturday Nights

AEW CEO Tony Khan has addressed speculation surrounding AEW Collision possibly moving to a different night in the future. While Khan remains confident in the show’s performance on Saturdays, he acknowledged that any potential change would depend on AEW’s network partner, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Khan Praises Collision’s Growth on Saturdays

Speaking about Collision, Khan expressed pride in how the Saturday night program has developed its audience.

“I think we have a great thing on Saturdays,” Khan said. “We’ve consistently been one of the top shows in our time slot, and we’ve been building a great audience. ‘Collision’ is having a great year.”

He also pointed out how the show has performed well relative to other cable programs and believes it has built strong momentum heading into 2025.

Could Collision Move to a Different Night?

Despite his satisfaction with Collision’s current schedule, Khan made it clear that he’s open to change if WBD suggests it.

“I would be open to basically anything within reason the network asked me to do. I am really very proud of the run we’re having,” Khan explained.

This flexibility could come into play once WBD’s current deal with the NBA expires, as the network will likely reassess its programming strategy. AEW has benefited from sports lead-ins in the past, and Khan acknowledged that these have helped boost Collision’s success.

What’s Next for AEW Collision?

For now, Khan is focused on maintaining Collision’s momentum and ensuring its long-term success, much like Dynamite, which has been a major player for WBD since 2019. While nothing is set in stone regarding a potential schedule change, the AEW boss remains committed to working with the network to make the best decision for the company’s future.

With AEW’s media rights negotiations on the horizon, the placement of Collision could become a key discussion point. Whether it stays on Saturdays or moves to another night, it’s clear that Khan and AEW are ready to adapt.

AEW Collision Preview 3/29/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TNT at 8/7c from the The UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, WI.

  • Jamie Hayter vs Queen Aminata
  • Top flight vs. Big Bill & “Bad Apple” Bryan Keith
  • Jay White vs, Kevin Knight
  • Wheeler Yuta vs. Dax Hardwood
  • AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné in action

AEW Ramifications Of Potential WBD-UFC Deal

AEW’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is locked in through 2028, but potential changes could be on the horizon for the company’s Saturday night show, Collision. According to a new report, WBD is interested in acquiring UFC broadcast rights, which could have a direct impact on AEW’s programming schedule.

What’s the Situation?

Per Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, if WBD successfully secures a deal with UFC, the promotion’s events would likely air on TNT—the same network where Collision currently resides. This raises questions about AEW’s Saturday night time slot. If UFC takes priority, Collision could be moved out of primetime or potentially shifted over to TBS, where Dynamite airs on Wednesdays.

What This Means for AEW

AEW has already seen one major network switch in its history when Dynamite moved from TNT to TBS in 2022. While shifting Collision to TBS could provide brand consistency, Meltzer warns that constantly changing time slots could be detrimental to the show’s viewership. However, there is also a scenario where Collision remains on TNT but airs after UFC events. If that happens, AEW might actually benefit from a strong lead-in audience.

The Bigger Picture

UFC’s current media rights deal with ESPN expires at the end of 2024, making it a prime target for networks looking to boost their sports programming. It’s also worth noting that UFC’s parent company, TKO Group, also owns WWE, adding another layer of intrigue to WBD’s interest in the MMA promotion.

Meanwhile, AEW’s own media landscape has evolved. At the beginning of the year AEW programming became available for streaming on MAX, and its pay-per-views can now be purchased on Amazon Prime Video—marking a notable expansion of their distribution reach.

For now, AEW remains a key player in WBD’s programming lineup, but if UFC enters the equation, Collision’s Saturday night home could be in for a shake-up.