Collision.AEW
Welcome to Bleacher Reports live coverage of AEW Collision on November 16.
In addition to the debut of a Guns N Roses music video, heres a look at what AEW advertised for Saturdays show:
Lets take a look at everything that happened on Saturdays episode of Collision.
Harley Cameron vs. Mina Shirakawa
Collision.AEW
Collision opened with a few quick backstage promos before Shirakawa made her way to the ring to take on Cameron.
Shirakawa and Cameron both did a little shimmy move at each other before locking up and running the ropes. Mariah Mays BFF took control and posed for the crowd to taunt her opponent.
This match had a lot of taunting, but they did it in a way that didnt seem forced. Both of these women were very clearly trying to get in each others head and it made for an entertaining dynamic.
Shirakawas experience advantage was evident, but Cameron did a great job keeping up with her. This wasnt a perfect match by any means, but the crowd was excited and having a great time.
Predictably, Shirakawa scored the victory, but Cameron continues to shine in the role shes been given.
Result: Shirakawa defeated Cameron.
Grade: B
Notable Moments and Observations
Johnny TV vs. Daniel Garcia
Collision.AEW
Johnny TV came out with Mason Madden and Mansoor by his side to take on Garcia in the second match of the night.
Mr. Television had the upper hand at first thanks to a few shoulder tackles, but Red Death didnt allow him to keep it for long.
Mansoor distracted the ref while Madden chokeslammed Garcia on the other side of the ring, but it didnt end the match.
After a commercial break, Jack Perry came out of the crowd and attacked Daddy Magic on commentary. Meanwhile, Johnny had Garcia reeling at ringside.
Its hard to pinpoint exactly what it was, but something seemed off about Garcias performance in this bout. He seemed to be a step slower than usual but not because of any clear injury.
After he managed to make a comeback, Garcia picked up a submission victory. He then ran backstage to help Daddy Magic, who was being assaulted by Perry.
The match between Garcia and Johnny had a little too much interference, but most of what we got was decent. The angle with Perry and Daddy Magic made the former Jungle Boy look certifiably insane, but Garcia was able to save his friend and turn the tables on Perry.
Result: Garcia defeated TV
Grade: B
Notable Moments and Observations
Shelton Benjamin vs. Komander
Collision.AEW
The next matchup features one of AEWs best high-flyers, Komander, taking on one of the most well-rounded wrestlers in the business, Benjamin. Alex Abrahantes and MVP were at ringside.
The former WWE star started the match by throwing Komander from post to post in dominant fashion. His power and size advantage was on full display.
Komander eventually started building some momentum by using his speed and agility, but Benjamin was able to keep up with him most of the time.
These two quickly found their groove and had good chemistry, especially for two guys who have so little experience working together.
Even though the luchador put up a good fight, Benjamins striking ability and pure wrestling skill were too much to overcome.
Result: Benjamin defeated Komander
Grade: B+
Notable Moments and Observations
Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Bulk Bronson
Collision.AEW
Jacked Jameson and Beefcake Boulder accompanied Bronson to the ring for his match against Hobbs.
Hobbs stood silently as his opponent and his friends loudly taunted him, but when Bronson tried to his a shoulder tackle, Hobbs barely budged and told him to bring it.
These two big meaty men spent a few minutes slapping meat, but the outcome was never in question. Hobbs was the obvious winner before the match even started.
Everything they did looked good, but there was very little to this match. After taking out Jameson and Boulder, Hobbs finished off Bronson with a Torture Rack.
Result: Hobbs defeated Bronson
Grade: C
Notable Moments and Observations
The Acclaimed vs. Rush and Beast Mortos
Collision.AEW
Max Caster and Anthony Bowens took on Rush and The Beast Mortos to see which team would get the final spot in the Full Gear Fatal 4-Way.
Mortos and Bowens started off with a fast-paced exchange, but Caster tagged himself in after a moment, which seemed to upset his partner.
LFI spent a long time isolating Caster from Bowens to wear him down. The Acclaimed finally made a hot tag after a commercial break so Bowens could take over.
This was a good match with a lot of physicality and just the right amount of taunting and shenanigans. The Acclaimed picked up the win to advance to Full Gear.
Result: The Acclaimed defeated LFI
Grade: B
Notable Moments and Observations
Mariah May vs. Anna Jay
Collision.AEW
Jay didnt even wait for the bell to hit May with a dropkick as she tried to enter the ring for this main event title bout.
The bell rang and the challenger immediately started punishing the champion. Deonna Purrazzo and Taya Valkyrie were shown watching from backstage as Jey used the ring bell to hit May across the back and send her into Tony Schiavones lap.
They brought all kinds of weapons into the ring like trash cans, chairs, ladders and anything else they could find under the ring.
Jay is no stranger to hardcore matches in AEW, and May has proved to be a tough competitor, so it came as no surprise to see them really throwing themselves into the action.
This wasnt technical or flashy. This was just two women beating the life out of each other with anything in arms reach. The crowd was having a lot of fun with this, especially whenever a bigger weapon spot happened.
Jay wrapped her arm in barbed wire and applied the Queenslayer, but May pulled out a bottle of something and sprayed her in the eyes. She finished off the challenger with Storm Zero to get the pin and retain her title.
Shirakawa joined May in the ring to celebrate and actually talked her out of continuing to attack Jay.
Result: May defeated Jay
Grade: B+
Notable Moments and Observations
The Final Word
Collision.AEW
The last 15 minutes of Collision featured a promo from Jon Moxley with Marina Shafir by his side before the debut of AEWs November Rain video was played.
As a whole, this weeks show was slightly above average. We saw some really fun action in the ring, got some storyline developments, and we even saw a man strapped to the hoob of a bus and driven around.
Komander vs. Benjamin was the best match in terms of traditional pro wrestling, but the No DQ match between May and Jay stole the show thanks to some high-risk spots they pulled off beautifully.
Some weeks Collision feels like an extended episode of Rampage and some weeks it feels on par with Dynamite. This week was the latter.
Grade: B+