AEW: Collision Debuts in Epic Location for Game-Changing Show

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As promised last week, Tony Khan, CEO of All Elite Wrestling, has revealed the location for the promotion's new Saturday show. The additional program, which will run alongside Dynamite on Wednesday and Rampage on Friday, will provide an extra platform for showcasing exciting storylines and up-and-coming talent. With six hours of television a week, AEW is set to dominate the wrestling scene. The announcement of the show's location has sparked rumors of the return of one of AEW's biggest stars.

Khan's announcement comes hot on the heels of a recent development from Warner Bros. The media giant green-lit a third AEW show, which will air on Saturdays and share the same network as Rampage, instead of Dynamite. The debut episode of AEW: Collision is scheduled to air on June 17, 2023, just a week before AEW's second cross-promotion pay-per-view with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Forbidden Door.

During Dynamite on Wednesday, Khan made a big announcement that the first episode of AEW: Collision will be held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on June 17. The show is set to air every Saturday from 8-10 p.m. Eastern Time, providing a two-hour window for AEW programming to showcase more talent and fresh storylines. Interestingly, before Khan's announcement, a few AEW stars who were absent from television for some time made their return, implying their participation in the new series.

To accompany the initial release from Warner Bros. and Khan, a poster was unveiled featuring current and former AEW champions and backstage talent. The poster highlights AEW World Trios Champions The House of Black and Julia Hart, AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR, AEW World Champion MJF, AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy, Andrade El Idolo, Thunder Rosa, Miro, Powerhouse Hobbs, and the Ring of Honor World Television Champion Samoa Joe.

One notable absence from the poster and press conference for Collision has caught the attention of many fans. Despite rumors of his involvement, CM Punk has not been seen on AEW television since the infamous backstage brawl at All Out last year. While The Elite returned to the ring after a suspension and title stripping, Punk has remained out of the spotlight. However, with Collision set to take place in Punk's hometown of Chicago, it seems likely that he will make an appearance. Reports suggest that the new show will limit collaborations between Punk and The Elite, paving the way for potential new partnerships.

It's worth noting that Punk made his AEW debut at the United Center during Rampage: The First Dance in 2021. Given this history, it seems fitting that he would make his return in the same place where it all began. With Collision taking place just one week before AEW X NJPW: Forbidden Door, it's possible that Punk and other returning wrestlers may find their next opponents for the cross-branded pay-per-view at the event.

AEW: Collision will premiere on TNT on June 17, 2023, from the United Center at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Source: All Elite Wrestling