AEW Collision Sidesteps WWE Survivor Series Showdown: What You Need to Know

One Big Thing

AEW Collision avoids a direct clash with WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, shifting to an earlier time slot due to sports programming preemptions.

By the Numbers

• New Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern (three-hour block including Rampage)
• Survivor Series Start Time: 5:30 p.m. Eastern
• Previous Head-to-Head Low: 157,000 viewers (September 2023)

The Details

• Shows will be taped earlier in the week from Chicago
• Preemption caused by NHL coverage (Friday) and college basketball (Saturday)
• Programming block combines both Collision and Rampage episodes

Recent History

Last week’s wrestling ratings battle:
• WWE NXT: 619,000 viewers
• AEW Dynamite: 523,000 viewers

Why It Matters

This scheduling adjustment is significant because:
• Helps AEW avoid potentially low viewership against a major WWE event
• Demonstrates TNT’s commitment to maintaining AEW’s presence despite sports conflicts
• Shows strategic programming decisions in the ongoing wrestling ratings war

Looking Back

The last direct competition between Collision and WWE programming resulted in Collision’s lowest viewership (157,000) since its June 2023 launch, highlighting the importance of avoiding head-to-head conflicts with major WWE events.

What do you think about AEW’s decision to move their programming earlier rather than compete directly with Survivor Series? Share your thoughts in the comments below about whether this was the right strategic move for AEW.