WWE’s SummerSlam 2023 was a major success, with it being the most-watched SummerSlam in history and the most-viewed social SummerSlam ever. However, AEW’s Collision, which aired on the same night, suffered a significant drop in ratings due to stiff competition from Peacock’s SummerSlam and ESPN’s UFC Fight Night.
To prevent a repeat of this ratings disaster, AEW has devised a two-step plan for Collision’s airing on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Firstly, AEW has scheduled a Collision taping for Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Secondly, Collision will air on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at an earlier start time yet to be announced.
The change in start time is due to WWE airing in primetime on the same night, live from the Cleveland Browns Stadium. While AEW and TNT have not yet confirmed the special start time for Collision, it is expected to be announced closer to early August.
Meanwhile, Chris Jericho, an AEW star since its inception, has expressed his thoughts on a potential WWE return. Jericho, who has a contract extension with AEW that lasts until December 2025, stated that he sees no reason to leave AEW at this point. He is content with his role in the company and has zero plans of leaving, despite being often speculated for a potential WWE return.
Jericho last worked for WWE on April 27, 2018, in the 50-man Greatest Royal Rumble from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His last standard match was on July 25, 2017, where he was pinned by AJ Styles in a Triple Threat Match, also involving Kevin Owens, on SmackDown LIVE.
