AEW could be set to create a brand split, amid the rumours of a new TV show and return for CM Punk.
Dave Meltzer has revealed in the latest Wrestling Observer that the new AEW show, tentatively titled AEW Collision, is set to debut in June 2023.
The original idea for the new show was that it would be 2 hours long and it would have the same star power as AEW Dynamite, as opposed to the “B-show” Rampage.
Currently, the 7/8 Regina taping is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central time, so that would mean either a 7:30 or 8 p.m. Eastern start time for the new show.
However, Meltzer says these deals haven’t been 100% finalized yet, and he doesn’t know if it’ll be on TNT or TBS. Previous reports indicated the show will likely on TBS, but that remains to be seen.
This would be the fifth show AEW puts out, rivalling the number of programs put out by rivals WWE.
The show has been reported to be in the works by Dave Meltzer, of the Wrestling Observer, whilst also corroborated by Andrew Zarian, of the MatMen Podcast.
The show has been thought up by Jeff Jarrett (allegedly), making the most of the increase in ticket sales for Saturday shows, compared to Wednesday when Dynamite airs.
AEW Brand Split
Another rumoured part of the new AEW show is that it will feature a brand split, in order to placate the return of CM Punk.
Punk has not been seen since All Out 2022, when an explosive press conference ended in a backstage fight, which you can read about by clicking the link below.
The working idea for the new show was that CM Punk would be the star of the show and the roster would be split to some degree.
However, PPVs and other big shows would need to have all hands on deck. Dave also notes that such roster or brand splits historically never last long.
With recent reports of The Elite being happy to work with CM Punk again, the AEW brand split may not be necessary.
The AEW brand split would be a way fro Tony Khan to make use of the 100+ talerrnt currently signed to the promotion.
With top stars like Lance Archer, Miro and Andrade constantly off TV, it would do them well to add another show on TV to feature these potential champions.
It would also give a show for CM Punk to be the top star of, without facing the tension of working with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks again.
AEW Draft
The AEW draft would likely occur to split the two brands, when CM Punk does returnt o AEW in Chicago.
It’s likely the brands would be “Dynamite” and “Collision”, and would feature similar to how Raw and Smackdown do in the WWE.
Both sets of wrestlers would appear on Pay Per View, but would likely not jump between brands during weekly TV.
Each show would have it’s own self-contained storylines, with it’s own champions.
However, Tony Khan could follow the example of Brock Lesnar in WWE, in the early days of the brand split.
One world champion (in this case, AEW Champion MJF) could travel between Dynamite and Collision, defending his title against the top contender on both shows.
Each show could use the TNT and Internation titles as their top titles,with the champions earning a shot at MJF at later date.
It is also likely that CM Punk would be the top face on Saturday Night Collision, whilst Kenny Omega and The Elite would be the focus on Wednesday Night Dynamite.
Who would you like to see on each brand for the AEW brand split? Should Tony Khan do an AEW draft? Let us know what you think, down in the comments section below.