In the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling, Tony Khan has made a bold move by scheduling a third title match for the struggling AEW Collision following the Royal Rumble. This decision comes at a time when the ratings for AEW Collision have hit an all-time low, sparking curiosity about its future.
According to Programming Insider, the episode that aired on January 24th only managed to secure a dismal 0.02 rating among the crucial 18-to-49 age demographic. To put that into perspective, this is the lowest rating recorded in the show's history, with an average viewership of just 253,000 fans tuning in. With the Royal Rumble set to take place on January 31st, there are concerns that the situation could worsen, as WWE's event will coincide with AEW's broadcast. The Rumble, which is hosted in Saudi Arabia, starts earlier at 2 PM ET, and historical data suggests that AEW often struggles to attract viewers on days when WWE presents special events, regardless of any overlap in airtime. In response to this pattern, AEW has occasionally shifted Collision away from Saturdays when WWE has a major show; however, this weekend’s episode will remain in its usual time slot on TNT and MAX.
To lessen the anticipated impact of going head-to-head with the Royal Rumble, President Tony Khan has ramped up the excitement for this weekend’s Collision. The lineup now includes the much-anticipated in-ring debut of The Razcals against CRU, a championship match featuring Babes of Wrath defending their titles against the Sisters of Sin, and Tommaso Ciampa's first AEW match where he will challenge Mark Briscoe for the TNT Championship.
Adding to the intrigue, a third title match has just been announced for the Collision card, featuring AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada facing off against Adam Priest, influenced by the events of tonight’s ROH on HonorClub episode. Moreover, fan-favorite Darby Allin is also set to appear, stepping away from the Death Riders to compete in a singles match against Clark Connors.
So, what’s your game plan for Saturday? Will you be tuning in to AEW Collision after the Royal Rumble concludes to catch the action featuring Ciampa, The Razcals, multiple title matches, and Darby Allin? Or will you forgo WWE's spectacle in Saudi Arabia and instead immerse yourself in what Collision has to offer?
Share your wrestling viewing plans for Saturday in the comments below, Cagesiders! It’s always exciting to see how fans engage with both AEW and WWE on such pivotal nights.
