AEW isnt just sidestepping WrestleMania 41theyre preparing for battle across the board.
While the Collision episode for Thursday, April 17 will air live at 8 p.m. Eastern to avoid direct competition with WWEs WrestleMania 41 on April 19, thats not the real story. According to Wrestling Observer Radio, AEW is monitoring the situation moving forward, and more Saturday night episodes of Collision could be moved to other nights altogether to avoid WWE programming.
I think the same thing is going to happen, said Dave Meltzer. They are monitoring the situations when it comes to Saturdays with WWE major shows in particular Saturday Nights Main Event, because TBS doesnt want to go against a wrestling show on NBC, understandably so.
Meltzer added that Memorial Day weekend could be the next shift, as AEW is reportedly planning a double-shot in Detroit that week. WWEs return of Saturday Nights Main Event has AEW considering a preemptive move to Thursdays again, to avoid competing for viewership.
This isnt just about one eventits a long-term play. TBS and TNT want to avoid direct hits with WWE programming, especially on network television or major pay-per-view weekends. And with 2024 being the final year of TNTs NBA rights deal, AEW could gain even more flexibility next year to shake up Collisions time slot permanently.
Bryan Alvarez confirmed the immediate move, noting: They are not going to be taping it Thursday and airing it on Saturday, airing it live on Thursday.
The message is clear: AEW is done with head-to-head clashes. Instead, theyre playing it smartmoving dates, dodging traffic, and keeping their product in the spotlight without going to war every weekend..
Do you think AEW should keep shifting AEW Collision to avoid WWEs big shows, or stand their ground and compete? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
