CM Punk Return Likely For AEW Collision, Winners And Grades

Tony Khan announced AEW Collision’s June 17 debut for the United Center in Chicago.

This is a strong indication that CM Punk will be returning to the company amid lingering tensions with The Elite. Despite his insubordination, Punk finds himself in a tremendous position of leverage after AEW built an entire show around him as a form “punishment” following his All Out meltdown.

and a series of controversies on his way back to AEW. Earlier in the day, PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc) reported Collision would emanate from the Untied Center, however the report noted there was no official word of Punk’s involvement. Given how poorly tickets have moved for Collision, there’s no way AEW would book such a giant venue without CM Punk, but stranger things have happened.

Issues between the perennially volatile Punk and The Elite are said to have been “somewhat” repaired, which is like saying the Bloods are being cordial with the Crips today. Every second that goes by without incident from CM Punk should be considered a blessing.

MORE FROM FORBESCM Punk’s AEW Collision Drama Is Another Huge Red Flag For Tony KhanBy Alfred Konuwa

AEW Dynamite advertised a contract signing between Adam Cole and Chris Jericho ahead of their match at AEW Double or Nothing. Dynamite also announced Orange Cassidy vs. Kyle Fletcher for the AEW International Championship, the Blackpool Combat Club vs. the Lucha Bros for the Ring of Honor Tag Team Championships and Daniel Garcia vs. Roderick Strong.

Last week’s broadcast of AEW Dynamite garnered 814,000 viewers.

AEW Dynamite Results | May 24, 2023

• Orange Cassidy def. Kyle Fletcher | AEW International Championship
• House of Black def. Metalik, A.R. Fox and Blake Christianson | Open House Challenge

AEW Dynamite Ratings

• May 17, 2023 | 814,000
• May 10, 2023 | 877,000
• May 3, 2023 | 776,000
• April 26, 2023 | 863,000
• April 19, 2023 | 830,000

• AEW Dynamite Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas, Nev.)
• AEW Dynamite Tickets Distributed: 4,337
• AEW Dynamite Tickets Available: 1,247

Orange Cassidy Def. Kyle Fletcher

Nobody thought Kyle Fletcher had a chance, and everybody knew this was another W for Opening-match Orange, but at least it was another banger of an opener from Orange Cassidy.

Excalibur cited the neck, back and knee of Orange Cassidy as his lingering injuries.

Cassidy became very fired up during the climactic moments of this match. One of the many great things about the AEW International Championship reign is Cassidy starting to evolve this character.

Backstage, Ricky Starks was ambushed by Jay White and Juice Robinson. Jay White struck Starks with a chair while Starks was sprawled across a traveling chest.

Orange Cassidy vs. Kyle Fletcher Grade: B

Marc Briscoe Gets Physical With FTR, Team Jarrett

Dax Harwood, who seemed to have a spring in his step for some reason, flamed Jeff Jarrett by calling Karen Jarrett the b-word, slandering TNA and even name-dropping Dixie Carter.

Marc Briscoe denied Dax Harwood a handshake and then slapped Dax in the face. He also denied a hug from Jay Lethal. Briscoe could have reviewed the footage from Harwood’s accidental piledriver, but instead he’s staying salty with everybody.

FTR-Marc Briscoe Segment Grade: B-

House Of Black Def. A.R. Fox, Blake Christianson And Metalik

In the spirit of an Open Match Challenge match, AEW turned the lights out and shined weird lights on the crowd, making this seem more like a pandemic match.

AR Fox has yet to win a match in AEW and his team was randomly cut, copied and pasted together. In a House Rules match, they had no chance.

The House of Black retained with stereo submission holds.

Backstage, Jon Moxley appeared to have subtweets for CM Punk as he called the BCC the best in the world, but he’s not saying that “just to be cool.”

Trios Match Grade: B-

MJF And Darby Allin Face Off

MJF cut a disingenuous babyface promo saying how much he loves AEW. Fans fell for it hook, line and sinker, even chanting “MJF.”

Darby Allin responded by telling his life story again. Allin was met with a low blow from MJF.

MJF mocked Darby for having “stilts” (platform Doc Martins) that made him taller.

Darby Allin’s promos have actually beep pretty good throughout these segments.

By the end of this segment, all four pillars faced off for one last go-home segment on Dynamite. Jungle Boy had the belt in his hand by the end, and he’s probably the least-likely winner.

Pillars Grade: B

Taya Valkyrie Def. Lady Frost

Predictable match outcomes continued to be the theme of this show. Even Tony Khan’s announcement was set to be predictable based on reports from earlier in the day.

Excalibur asked if Taya Valkyrie could be the one in 57-1.

Taya Valkyrie vs. Lady Frost Grade: B-

Tony Khan Announces Collision For United Center

Tony Khan officially announced AEW Collision will be in the United Center in Chicago. There was a huge pop from the live crowd, followed by chants of CM Punk. Let the headache continue.

Tony Khan Announcement: C+