The hype surrounding the launch of a second AEW flagship show, reportedly called Collision, seems to be coming to a head. This past Wednesday on Dynamite, Tony Khan all but confirmed the new program when he made an appearance hyping the depth of the All Elite roster, and how the company is prepared to produce more content. The AEW GM and President promised fans the official big announcement next week on TNT, before encouraging them to tune into Dynamite.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Collision is expected to be announced next Wednesday at the Warner Brothers Discovery upfronts, which means it will be referenced on TNT in some fashion ahead of Dynamite on TBS that night. Along with the Collision, the announcement is expected to include its June 17 debut date, live from the United Center in Chicago. The episode looks to be titled “The Second Coming” and will feature the return of CM Punk.
Punk’s return to action isn’t without its controversy. Following his scathing AEW All Out media scrum, a fight between Punk, Ace Steel, The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and others broke out backstage. In the months since Punk and The Elite do not appear to have been in contact, and no apologies have been exchanged. It was noted in today’s report, however, that at least one of the participants in the fight, not CM Punk, is willing to issue an apology but has been told not to do so.
More than one source believes that Punk should issue the first apology but he has reportedly also been told to not make contact with The Elite. With this open wound not yet healed, it does not appear there has been any movement in regard to contract negotiations with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, whose deals come up towards the end of this year. Punk, on the other hand, looks to actively be courting more time on AEW TV, and his value has likely been useful to Khan as Warner Brothers Discovery is said to have wanted Punk back in the mix.