wrestling / TV Reports
Sambus’ AEW Collision Review 12.06.25
Image Credit: AEW
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Good evening, sickos! I was covering TNA Final Resolution last night so I’m still catching up on ROH Final Battle; maaaaan that ending to McGuinness/Moriarty was a thing of beauty! The timing on that last pinfall as the time expired…chef’s kiss. I’ll no doubt catch the Survival of the Fittest match after Collision as that sounded stellar.
On the AEW front, it is my favorite time of year as we have the Continental Classic underway! And tonight’s instalment looks particularly juicy for the Blue League, with Claudio Castagnoli taking on Mascara Dorada (calling it now, Dorada is getting pop-up uppercutted into the ROOF), Roddy Strong vs Orange Cassidy, and Jon Moxley going up against Konosuke Ta-fricking-keshita. Moxley and Big Tak are going to go nuts, you can just tell. Outside of CC action, Mercedes Mone puts her TBS championship on the line just one night after losing the Women’s TV championship to Red Velvet, this time defending against Leila Grey.
We’ll also get updates on the health of Darby Allin, an appearance by Swerve Strickland, FTR calling out the Bang Bang Gang, and an interview with both tag team tournament finalists; the Timeless Love Bombs and the Babes of Wrath.
Alright, enough chat – let’s head down to ringside!
Location: Columbus, OH
Venue: Greater Columbus Convention Center
Commentators: Nigel McGuinness, Ian Riccaboni & Tony Schiavone
*Collision is LIVE and we get straight into Blue League action, with Orange Cassidy strolling to the ring.
*Renee Paquette backstage gives us an update on Orange Cassidy, saying that although he is not 100%, he is cleared for action, but Roderick Strong has placed a target on OC’s injured back.
[Continental Classic – Blue League] Roderick Strong [0] vs Orange Cassidy [0]
I don’t know if it’s just my feed, but the stream looks FANTASTIC tonight? Much better quality than usual. Cassidy and Strong have a feeling-out process, trading side headlocks. Crucifix from Cassidy, 1, 2, no. Strong follows Cassidy to the floor and starts firing off chops. Headlock takedown by Cassidy, but Strong rolls through and delivers a back breaker into the barricade! Back inside the ring, pendulum backbreaker connects and OC rolls to the apron. Strong follows him to the apron and chops him down before catapulting OC into the bottom turnbuckle. Another backbreaker in the center of the ring, with Strong holding OC there and pressing the knee into the spine. Again! And again! The Messiah of the Backbreaker has risen again.
Strong goes for one more but he’s gone to the well once too often, and OC hits a tornado DDT to counter. Strong heads to the outside, and OC follows up with a suicide dive. He bounces Strong’s head off the buckles, climbs the ropes and delivers a crossbody, CAUGHT and Strong hits a powerslam for 2. Stundog Millionaire countered, crucifix rollup for 2. Slingshot DDT by Cassidy! Strong and Cassidy on the ropes now, Roddy looking for a suplex, maybe a backbreaker…OC crotches him though! Diving DDT connects, 1, 2, no. Superman punch is countered into another backbreaker, followed by the End of Heartache! 1, 2, NO, OC kicks out. Prawn hold! 1, 2, no. Stundog Millionaire connects…Orange Punch caught! Strong goes for End of Heartache again, OC counters into a tight prawn hold, 1, 2, 3! OC gets 3 points.
Winner: Orange Cassidy
Time: 13:23
Rating: ***1/4 – Roddy did what he said he would do and targeted the back, but nothing can deny the heart of Cassidy. Good back and forth stuff here, and I could watch Strong pull off backbreakers from out of nowhere allllllll day.
*Post-match, Strong storms straight past Cassidy on his way to the back without a handshake or anything.
*We get the announcement that Darby Allin is out of the Continental Classic! Damn. But he will be replaced by Jungle Jack Perry.
*Darby out on a rooftop wants to speak to us. He does some push-ups. But last week he felt his legs give out. He was rushed to the hospital, and he was taken out of the CC to save Darby from Darby. He’s never seen eye to eye with Jack Perry, but if he’s taking his spot, he better go on to win the whole thing. As for Darby, he doesn’t know…Darby ends the interview early and walks off.
*FTR and Stokely make their way to the ring. Stokely says tonight is the greatest night of his life because FTR are the AEW World Tag Team Champions. Stokely has to address what happened on Dynamite. FTR are men of their word; they dared the Bang Bang Gang to put their hands on their titles. No more bullshit, they want the BBG in this ring right here, right now.
*The Bang Bang Gang oblige, and here they come! Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn head to the ring. Cash takes the mic and wants to say to their faces, yes they are the last time to beat FTR, but that will be the absolute last time they beat them. FTR are living legends, and the BBG’s achievements will be being Mr Toni Storm and Billy’s Baby Boy. Dax says we have a nepo baby, and the whole career of Juice has been as a bag carrier. The only time they are relevant is when they stand across from FTR. FTR are peerless, no rival, one of one. Nobody else comes close. Last week, Dax was embarrassed when he let them touch his belt. There is no way they could ever beat them, so Dax says they have one more opportunity to touch his belt, he double dares them.
Austin says yes, he is the son of a hall of famer. Juice is the son of a carpenter. Cash is the son of his first cousin. And Dax is just a son of a bitch! Now that the family tree is out of the way, let’s get those titles on the line. Gunn says they’ve done this song and dance before, but this time the people are getting behind them. Gunn wants to make the match official. Juice says they won $200K the other week, so if this was about touching belts, they’d take that money, go to AEWShop.com and buy hundreds of belts. Juice has a belt holding his pants up so he doesn’t need any more. What he needs, is a title. The next time they hold those titles, it’s when they beat FTR in the UK for the championships. They’ve got two words for them…AND NEW! Hot promo.
*Marina Shafir speaks to Wheeler Yuta and Daniel Garcia backstage. They talk trash on Mark Briscoe, with Yuta saying he can’t match the heart and the drive of the Death Riders. Garcia says the stupidest thing Briscoe has done is volunteer to put that TNT title on the line against him. And it’s time he brings it home.
*TrillerTV appears to be having issues coming back from commercial. Sad face.
*We missed the entire Dorada/Claudio match. WTF Triller! [EDIT: OK, it’s added on the replay, phew! Here we go folks]
[Continental Classic – Blue League] Claudio Castagnoli [6] vs Mascara Dorada [0]
Lockup to start, Castagnoli grounds Dorada and looks for early control, but an arm drag from Dorada puts a stop to it. Side headlock takeover, running the ropes, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker catches Dorada off-guard. Big overhand chop and Claudio shoulder blocks him down. Handspring evasion from Dorada, he gets wrist control and hops up the ropes for a fancy arm drag. Claudio to the outside, Dorada takes a run up…and runs right into a massive uppercut as he goes for a suicide dive. Military press by Castagnoli on the outside and he drops him over the guard rail…and again!
Back in the ring, Castagnoli stomps Dorada down and covers for 2. Double axe handle connects, 1, 2, no. Delated vertical suplex, another cover, and another 2 count. Bow and arrow stretch while Nigel tells us that Claudio is the most famous ‘Claudio’ out there, but he’s only the tenth most famous Nigel. Amazing. Castagnoli wears out Dorada with further stomps. Claudio goes for the mask but Dorada strikes back with kicks. Castagnoli catches the leg and delivers the Big Swing. Running European uppercut in the corner, Dorada rolls through and hits a superkick. But he runs into a big boot from Castagnoli. Dorada stands on the shoulders, moonsaults and hits another arm drag. Satellite Tijeras sends Claudio to the floor. Suicide dive into an armdrag on the outside!
Dorada is launched onto the buckles, and again dives off with a moonsault into an armdrag. Super sunset flip once they make it back into the ring, Dorada gets a 2 count. Dorada dives, Claudio catches him, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker connects. 1, 2, NO. Another big uppercut in the corner, 1, 2, Dorada kicks out as we hit the 10 minute count. Castagnoli goes for another swing, Dorada counters with a pin attempt for 2. Big lariat by Claudio! Dorada tries a hurracanrana, Claudio puts the brakes on and climbs the buckles with Dorada on his shoulders…top rope super Tijeras! He goes back up but Claudio is up too, uppercut! Dorada kicks his way out of a superplex, knocking Claudio down. Shooting Star Press! 1, 2, 3!!! Dorada picks up 3 points!
Winner: Mascara Dorada
Time: 11:59
Rating: ***1/2 – Well that was just a FUN match with Claudio proving to be the foil to Dorada’s high-octane offense, with power moves and the like to off-set the more flashier stuff. Claudio vs the entire world of lucha simply WORKS; he’s so good in that environment, and I hope he gets a lengthy CMLL title run as he could do some terrific stuff there.
*Tony Schiavone sits down with the Babes of Wrath and the Timeless Love Bombs, and they all raise a glass of champagne in honor of their tag team championship match next week. Willow says she supports whatever goes on in their personal lives, but that doesn’t affect what goes on in the ring. Willow’s last few years haven’t been perfect, but she puts her head down and gets on with it…just like Harley Cameron. Harley can’t deny the accomplishments Storm and Mina have made but her first and only 3 years in the business have been more successful than either Mina or Toni. Mina wants to give people a fight to remember. HAHA Tony Schiavone responds with “Well [BLEEP] I’ll drink to that!”
*Back from break, Toni Schiavone introduces Prince Nana and Swerve Strickland!
Swerve takes the mic and says two weeks ago, he returned to AEW at Full Gear after being put on the shelf for 3 months. 3 months of rehab, training, grinding to make himself into the biggest, baddest and most dangerous version of himself that he’s ever been. When he was champion, he made business real simple. That same championship now sits on the shoulder of two-time champion Samoa Joe. Remember him? Seems like Joe might be running from him. Because the last person to beat him for the championship last time was Swerve. Swerve tells Joe that he will fall to the franchise player once again. And that brings him to one last person, Hangman Adam Page. They haven’t seen eye to eye, probably never will. But there’s never been a greater rivalry. Page is looking for another desperado to ride into battle..so what do you say? How about Swerve being the one backing you up Page at Winter is Coming. Then they can sit down and have a very serious conversation.
ENOUGH! Josh Alexander makes his way out, and all he hears is lies and half truths. Josh says this is Don Callis’ house now. Since Swerve has been gone, they’ve put a chokehold on AEW and they won’t loosen that grip any time soon. Don Callis Family member Okada was the one who put Swerve on the bench, and he’s disappointed that Swerve isn’t looking for revenge. The thing Alexander takes issue with is Swerve swanning back in and trying to take a title shot. Alexander has defeated Ospreay, he put Ibushi’s future in question, he’s gone toe to toe with Kenny Omega. And he’s the reason the Don Callis Family is $1 million richer after Full Gear. HE’S the one who should be getting a title shot. So he thinks they should figure out who deserves a title shot between them. Hahaha Alexander says this crowd is full of freaks and furries, it’s not a wrestling crowd. Swerve says why don’t they do this in Cardiff next week. Alexander likes the sound of that, and Shibata attacks from behind! One shot to the back of the knee, and down Swerve goes.
Alexander says he’ll see Swerve next week. Swerve is down to one knee but he’s smiling and laughing, happy the challenge is accepted.
*Lexy Nair is backstage with Mercedes Mone. Lexy reminds viewers that Mone lost her title last night, but Mone doesn’t want to talk about last night. Lexy asks if the losses are weighing on her at all. Mone says she’s a global wrestling icon, Ultimo Mone. The only thing weighing on her are her 12 titles. Leila Grey had one win and got all this confidence, but Mone will show her that there is a price to pay when you mess with Mone.
[AEW TBS Championship] Mercedes Mone (c) vs Leila Grey (w/ Christopher Daniels)
Mone attacks Grey early while the ref is still holding up the title, getting the early advantage. Mone dives off the apron for a Meteora, and takes out Daniels instead! Grey with a choke over the ropes and a low dropkick once they get back into the ring, covers for 2. Swinging neckbreaker connects, 1, 2, Mone kicks out. Enziguri from the challenger. Mone drives Grey face-first into the buckles with her feet, hits a Meteora for 2. Mone drives the boot into the throat and levels Grey with a clothesline. She sits on the back of Grey and gives a ‘6, 7’ pose.
Mone misses some knees in the corner, and Grey builds a comeback with a Slingblade. Knee to the midsection in the corner, may have her her own knee there, but gets a bulldog. Mone locks in the Statement Maker and Grey has to tap.
Winner and STILL AEW TBS Champion: Mercedes Mone
Time: 5:49
Rating: ** – They must have called an audible there after Grey potentially hurt the leg as the finish came straight after. That’s a shame as Grey didn’t have much of a chance to show anything.
*Mone with a low blow to Daniels post-match! UNNECESSARY!
*Eddie Kingston says he’s dreamed of being a pro wrestler for 25 years, and now he has an opportunity to be World’s champion. Joe can’t get in his head because Eddie is in his own head all day. He hates to admit this but he cares too much about AEW. AEW was supposed to be something different, where you’re rewarded for your hard work, for being the best pro wrestler in the world. He’s out for 18 months and he comes back to this. Joe is disgusting now. He’s supposed to lead, but he’s doing what Joe used to hate. Eddie wants things to change and he will have his opportunity December 10th. He will get his payoff, and he will show the younger guys that it pays to do it the right way.
*We head to the backstage area to see the Triangle of Madness taking out the job squad. Thekla says ‘See you in Cardiff, bitches!’
[AEW National Championship] Ricochet (c) (w/ Gates of Agony) vs Ace Austin
First title defense in AEW for the National championship, after Ricochet successfully defended it in ROH last night. Quick evasions from both men as they flip out of each other’s offense in the early goings. Nice crucific from Austin gets 2, and that pisses Ricochet off. Austin grounds Ricochet and gets a mahistral cradle for another 2. Dropkick connects, and again Ricochet heads to the floor in frustration. Ricochet grabs the timekeeper’s hammer, ref tackles him for it, but Bishop Kaun grabs the leg of Austin to cause a distraction and allow Ricochet to take control.
Ricochet digs his fingers into the nostrils of Ace and pounds away with right hands, Dropkick connects, and Ricochet locks in a neck vice. Ricochet props Austin up in the corner, charges, but misses a high dropkick, landing on his back and neck. Side Russian legsweep, leg drop connects, and Austin is cooking now. Seated lariats in the corner, Austin handsprings to avoid a clothesline from Liona, and he springboards in to take out Ricochet. Doctor Bomb connects! 1, 2, no. Standing dropkick from Ricochet and a standing SSP connects for 2. He looks for the Spirit Gun, Austin ducks. Backslide attempt, reversed. Cradle from Ace gets 2. Ace gets Ricochet on the top rope, heads up with him…superplex! Bellringer stomp! 1, 2, NO. Ace looks for the Fold, Ricochet grabs the ref in the way. The momentary distraction allows Ricochet to fire off a quick Spirit Gun and hit the Vertigo for the 1, 2, 3.
Winner and STILL AEW National Champion: Ricochet
Time: 10:05
Rating: ***1/4 – Austin has looked great in high profile matches on Collision in recent months/weeks, so it’s awesome to see that momentum continue into a title shot like this. Very enjoyable showing from both guys, with Ricochet’s early frustrations giving him a great excuse to show off all the character work he is excelling at these days.
*FTR attack Ace Austin after the match! The Bang Bang Gang are here for the save! FTR swing the title belts, Juice and Austin duck and hit some jabs to take them down. FTR hightail it, leaving the title belts in the ring…so the BBG grab the belts and throw them back at the champs.
[Continental Classic – Blue League] Jon Moxley [3] vs Konosuke Takeshita [3]
And here we go! ‘Holy Shit’ chants as the bell rings. Nice grounded graps between the two of them as a feeling out process. Moxley takes control of the ankles and locks in a headscissor too. Takeshita counters and they trade headlocks, before both attempting shoulder blocks before Takeshita knocks Mox down with a flying forearm. Moxley is still selling the ankle after his matches with O’Reilly, nice touch! Takeshita focuses on the ankle, wrenching it around the ringpost and whipping it into the steel steps. He smacks it into the barricade for added impact too, and Moxley is struggling now. Mox is returned to the ring and can barely get to his feet. Dragon screw to the ankle! Takeshita soaks in the applause from the crowd,
Takeshita keeps his focus on the ankle until Moxley tries to fight back with right hands. Takeshita with the mounted punches in the corner, Mox gets his fingers in the mouth and returns the favor. Forearms traded, now Takeshita locks in an ankle lock! Moxley shrugs him off but Takeshita goes right back to the ankle. On the apron now, big boot from Takeshita, Moxley goes to the ankle of Takeshita this time…STOMP on the apron! But that was a bad idea for Moxley’s ankle, may have paid off though. Back in the ring, backdrop driver connects…Takeshita is up for a German! Both men with stereo clotheslines.
10 minutes have elapsed. Strikes traded back and forth, knees from Moxley. Lariat takes Takeshita off his feet! Death Rider attempt reversed, Blue Thunder Bomb countered into a cross-armbar, but Takeshita locks his hands together. Ankle lock from Moxley! Takeshita reaches for the ropes and makes it. Moxley stomps the ankle as he relinquishes the hold. Both men to the apron again, Moxley maybe thinking piledriver, but no, back body drop from Takeshita. Moxley on his feet on the floor, Takeshita takes a run up, NO, his ankle gives way. Wait, he was faking! Forearm to Moxley. TOPE CON HILO and that was a hard spill to the floor! Takeshita pulls off the announce table covering but the table collapses on its own. Never to be deterred, Moxley runs at Takeshita and Big Tak delivers a Blue Thunder Bomb into the remnants of the table.
Mox gets back into the ring at 9 and is met with a biiiig splash! 1, 2, NO. Takeshita thinks about the Powerdrive Knee, Moxley collapses though. Lying in wait, he rolls him up for 2. Cutter! 5 minutes remaining. Moxley slaps his ankle to try and get some life back into it. Takeshita sweeps the leg, knee drop to the ankle. Roaring elbow is cut off with a big slap from Mox and he flips him off. Double arm DDT by Moxley! 1, 2, Takeshita gets his leg on the rope! Clothesline in the corner, one in the center but Takeshita doesn’t go down. More strikes from Moxley, he runs the ropes but the ankle gives way. Powerdrive knee, 1, 2, NOOOO! Powerdrive Knee again. Raging Fire! 1, 2, 3!! Takeshita makes it to 6 points.
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita
Time: 17:29
Rating: **** – Allow me to regurgitate my ‘I LOVE THE CONTINENTAL CLASSIC’ line. Getting these kinds of matches on TV each week is such a treat. Both guys sold their respective ankles well, with Takeshita perhaps feigning how bad it really was so he could dupe Moxley. Big win for Takeshita, and the fact that these wins over Moxley still mean so much shows just how much he was protected during his title run.
*The Death Riders head down to ringside as medical staff tend to Moxley’s ankle, and with that we are done for the night. See you bright and early for Collision next week as AEW heads to the UK. Have a fabulous week everyone!
