The lights blazed in Portland, Oregon, as AEW Collision presented a compelling Saturday night lineup, featuring two high-stakes championship encounters and a series of intriguing tag team bouts that showcased the depth and dynamism of the All Elite Wrestling roster. The episode, airing on April 25, 2026, from the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, delivered a mix of established rivalries and emerging tensions, setting the stage for future storylines and offering fans a taste of the unpredictable action that has become a hallmark of the promotion. From championship gold on the line to the formation of unexpected partnerships, this edition of Collision proved to be a pivotal night in the ongoing narrative of AEW.
One of the marquee attractions of the evening was the AEW National Championship defense, where the reigning champion, "Jungle" Jack Perry, answered an open challenge issued by a member of the notorious Don Callis Family. The challenger was the enigmatic El Clon, a competitor whose unique presentation and aggressive in-ring style have made him a formidable presence. The match itself was a hard-fought contest, with both men showcasing their distinct skill sets. Perry, known for his agility and opportunistic offense, found himself tested by the relentless onslaught of El Clon. The challenger, employing a blend of striking and submission holds, aimed to dethrone Perry and bring the National Championship under the Don Callis Family’s banner. The back-and-forth action saw momentum swing wildly, with near falls and dramatic counter-offensives keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, Perry managed to retain his title, showcasing his resilience and ability to overcome a significant challenge.
The Tag Team division also took center stage with the AEW World Trios Championship being defended by the formidable champions, The Conglomeration. They faced a stern test in the form of the Don Callis Family’s formidable trio, comprised of the powerhouse Lance Archer, the technically gifted Andrade, and the masked sensation Hechicero. This clash of styles was a spectacle of power, athleticism, and strategic teamwork. The Conglomeration, a unit built on cohesive execution and championship pedigree, had to dig deep to overcome the individual threats posed by Archer’s brute strength, Andrade’s surgical precision, and Hechicero’s aerial prowess. The match was a grueling affair, characterized by high-impact maneuvers and intricate sequences. In the end, The Conglomeration proved their championship mettle, successfully defending their titles in a thrilling encounter that solidified their dominance in the trios division.
Beyond the championship bouts, the show featured a chaotic and highly anticipated eight-man tag team match. The ongoing feud between The Death Riders and The Dogs saw them unite with the contentious faction, facing off against the popular duo of The Young Bucks and their allies, The Rascalz. This match was a volatile explosion of animosity, with the underlying tensions between the warring factions spilling out into the ring. The early stages were a free-for-all, a testament to the simmering rage that has been brewing between these teams. As the match settled into a more structured format, the unique offensive styles of The Young Bucks and The Rascalz clashed with the rugged, brawling tactics of The Death Riders and The Dogs. The latter alliance, formed out of mutual animosity towards their opponents, proved to be a potent force. Despite the impressive aerial displays and high-octane offense from the Bucks and Rascalz, the sheer ferocity and coordinated aggression of The Death Riders and The Dogs ultimately proved too much, leading to their victory. This result only further fuels the ongoing animosity and promises more confrontations between these factions.
Adding another layer to the night’s drama was the controversial alliance forged by Chris Jericho. Responding to a challenge issued on the preceding Dynamite, where he was dared to find someone who genuinely liked him enough to team with him, Jericho proclaimed he didn’t need friends, only individuals who shared his intense dislike for Ricochet. He then aligned himself with the mysterious Hurt Syndicate, a faction whose motives and capabilities have been a subject of speculation. Together, they faced off against Ricochet and his stablemates, The Demand. The match was a fascinating clash of veteran cunning and athletic brilliance. Jericho, ever the showman, brought his wealth of experience, while the Hurt Syndicate provided a menacing and powerful presence. Ricochet, as always, was a whirlwind of offense, attempting to overcome the odds. The dynamic of the match was complex, with Jericho attempting to orchestrate his new allies while Ricochet and The Demand sought to exploit any cracks in their impromptu partnership. In a surprising turn of events, The Demand managed to secure the victory, a significant upset that casts doubt on the effectiveness of Jericho’s new alliance and further establishes The Demand as a force to be reckoned with.
In a singles contest, the formidable Kris Statlander faced off against the energetic B3cca. Statlander, a fan favorite known for her unique extraterrestrial gimmick and powerful in-ring style, was looking to continue her winning momentum. B3cca, a dynamic competitor with a penchant for explosive offense, aimed to score a major upset. The match was a showcase of contrasting styles, with Statlander’s power and resilience pitted against B3cca’s speed and agility. Statlander ultimately proved to be the stronger competitor, securing a decisive victory that keeps her firmly in the upper echelon of the women’s division. Following the match, Statlander’s brief, almost dismissive interaction with Hikaru Shida hinted at a potential future rivalry brewing between the two, adding another intriguing element to the women’s division.
Another singles match saw the intense RUSH take on the emerging talent Adam Priest. RUSH, known for his aggressive "Toro" persona and devastating strikes, was expected to dominate. Priest, however, showed flashes of brilliance and resilience, refusing to back down from the challenge. While Priest demonstrated his potential, RUSH’s sheer power and predatory instincts ultimately secured him the win. His post-match admonition to Priest, reminding him that "when you mess with the bull, you get the horns," served as a stark warning to anyone who might consider crossing his path.
The women’s tag team division also saw action as Thekla and Skye Blue faced off against the formidable duo of Persephone and Alex Windsor. This match was a testament to the growing talent within AEW’s women’s division. Thekla and Blue, working as a cohesive unit, displayed impressive teamwork and offensive synergy. Persephone and Windsor, on the other hand, brought a more aggressive and powerful approach. The match was characterized by intricate sequences and strategic exchanges. A key moment in the bout involved interference from Julia Hart, a member of the House of Black, who seemingly aided Thekla and Skye Blue in securing the victory. This intervention raises questions about potential alliances and the expanding influence of the House of Black, adding an unexpected twist to the outcome and hinting at further developments within the women’s landscape.
The episode also featured a high-octane singles match between the powerhouse RUSH and the up-and-coming Adam Priest. RUSH, known for his brutal intensity and "Toro" persona, was a significant challenge for Priest. The match saw RUSH employing his signature powerful offense, but Priest showcased resilience and a willingness to trade blows. While Priest displayed moments of promise, RUSH’s overwhelming strength and aggressive style ultimately proved to be too much, leading to RUSH’s victory. His post-match declaration, warning Priest that "when you mess with the bull, you get the horns," served as a clear message to the locker room about his formidable nature.
Furthermore, the wrestling world was buzzing about the stipulation added to Adam Copeland’s challenge to FTR for a New York Street Fight. Copeland, seeking to elevate the stakes, proposed that if FTR were to lose, the iconic tag team of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood would be forced to disband their partnership permanently. FTR, known for their unwavering loyalty to each other and their storied history, were presented with a difficult decision. The response from FTR was delivered, with Dax Harwood accepting the challenge but proposing an even more brutal stipulation: an "I Quit" match within the confines of the New York Street Fight. This escalated the already intense feud and promised a brutal and definitive conclusion, raising the stakes to an unprecedented level for the veteran tag team. The decision from FTR signaled their unwavering commitment to their craft and their willingness to face any challenge to prove their dominance.
