In a collision of titanic forces at AEW COLLISION’s “Winter Is Coming” held at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX, Claudio Castagnoli emerged victorious in a Continental Classic Tournament Blue League Match, battling through an incredible match against Andrade El Idolo. Each competitor showcased their mettle, with near falls and high stakes action keeping the AEW faithful on the edge of their seats. Claudio’s resilience was on full display, as he withstood Andrade’s arsenal to clench the win, thereby shaking up the standings within the Blue League.
Earlier in the evening, the ominous Abadon clashed with Jazmin Allure in what was a decisive show of force. Abadon stood triumphant, but the post-match chaos set the stage for an appearance by Julia Hart, trading blows and teases with the lurking TBS Championship. In the skirmish’s aftermath, Thunder Rosa came charging to the fore; extending a gesture of respect which Abadon humbly accepted.
Backstage, drama unfolded with The Acclaimed and Daddy Ass expressing their anger and intent to settle scores, placing targets on the backs of those shrouded in mystery under the Devil mask. With a boiling desire for retribution, they reiterated their dedication to reclaiming their status as AEW’s premier trios.
In a title bout, “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy defended his AEW International Title against Bounty Hunter Bryan Keith. The match swung back and forth with each man nearly sealing their fate as the victor, only for Cassidy to cunningly snatch the win, further solidifying his championship reign amidst a show of mutual respect with Keith.
A chilling vignette echoed through the arena, as “The Redeemer” Miro professed a renewed focus, determined to emerge unrestricted, plunging deeper into his vengeful darkness.
Disturbances continued as Roderick Strong and The Kingdom set their eyes on Komander, sowing seeds of confrontation. Stakes only heightened when FTR addressed the House of Black, calling them out for their underhanded tactics, which led to a fiery and symbolic on-screen rebuttal from their enigmatic foes, signaling warfare between the factions.
The night’s volatility reached a fever pitch in a brutal Texas Street Fight that saw Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale face the formidable pairing of Mercedes Martinez and Diamante. Weapons and will clashed, painting a picture of the unrelenting intensity woman’s wrestling exhibits in AEW.
Tensions between AEW’s women were not limited to physicality, as a backstage moment captured AEW Women’s World Champion Timeless Toni Storm’s indifference toward Mariah May’s upcoming debut and a forthcoming choice of challenger between Saraya and Riho.
The violence of the ring was matched by verbal threats as ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion “The Machine” Brian Cage steamrolled over Kerry Wright, leaving commentators questioning who, if anyone, could contain his unbridled power.
The Continental Classic Tournament continued to electrify as Eddie Kingston tangled with Daniel Garcia. While the match showcased an array of profound technical prowess and sheer grit, Kingston’s will overcame Garcia’s heartless onslaught as they both sought precious points in the tournament standings.
The eventful evening concluded with a showdown between House of Black’s Brody King and Blackpool Combat Club’s Bryan Danielson. Despite being battered and bruised, Danielson’s relentless spirit saw him through a near-impossible battle; each gladiator pushed to their limits, leaving Danielson to secure a pivotal victory and rise in the rankings of the Blue League.
Eager for more thrills, fans can look forward next to Wednesday’s live AEW DYNAMITE on TBS at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, OK, where the elite of professional wrestling continue to define themselves in the unrivaled universe of All Elite Wrestling.
