AEW Collision Review - January 31, 2026

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Darby Allin def. Clark Connors

Connors has appeared on AEW TV before (including at the first Forbidden Door event all the way back in 2022), but this was basically a tryout for him now that he's gone from New Japan Pro-Wrestling and is a free agent. Or at least he was a free agent as I assume he's since been signed. He had a solid showing here in what was an enjoyable opener with Allin. Gabe Kid resuming his rivalry with Allin doesn't do much for me, though.

The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz) def. CRU (Action Andretti and Lio Rush)

It's pretty cool that The Rascalz are still using the entrance music they had in TNA. If it wasn't already obvious, they're a very talented team and are going to excel in AEW. Putting them in there with CRU was smart because they're also great high-fliers, so this was a lot of fun while it lasted and far from a squash. We found out later on The Rascalz' next match will be an eight-man tag team matchup with Eddie Kingston and Ortiz against Grizzled Young Veterans, Big Bill and Bryan Keith.

Orange Cassidy and "Timeless" Toni Storm def. Gino Medina and Lady Bird Monroe

Cassidy and Storm are clicking well as partners and have unsurprisingly gotten over huge with fans. Personally, I don't care about the pairing, if only because their feud with The Death Riders bores me, but it's effectively kept them busy, if nothing else. This served as a showcase for them before it was announced that they'll face Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir at Grand Slam: Australia where whoever gets pinned will have their head shaved.

"Psycho Killer" Tommaso Ciampa def. Mark Briscoe to Win the AEW TNT Championship

Damn, this was an excellent match. I really didn't want Ciampa losing in his AEW in-ring debut, but I figured he would, so I was very happy when he won instead. They had a hell of a bout and it was the most motivated Ciampa has looked in years. Briscoe is always a treat to watch as well, so I thoroughly enjoyed this. Winning the TNT title right off the bat bodes well for Ciampa's future in AEW.

AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada def. Adam Priest

If you were wondering Okada came out with the AEW International Championship in a damn bag, it was later reported that the title was stolen or missing at one point, so Okada had to use a different belt in a bag. Oops. I still have no idea why this match happened or why it had to be as competitive as it was. It was well wrestled and whatnot, but it felt like a waste of time with Priest never being presented as anyone of note on AEW TV.

AEW Women's World Tag Team Champions The Babes of Wrath def. Sisters of Sin

AEW has done a nice job of making the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championship feel important so far and having the titles defended in the main event enforced that. This was solid stuff from two teams who work well together. Triangle of Madness got the better of Babes of Wrath and Kris Statlander afterward, so I guess the feud between all six stars isn't over yet.

Overall Show

Collision didn't have to deal with airing opposite of WWE Royal Rumble since that got over with well before Collision started, so that was appreciated. This was a strong show with above-average action and three title matches, including a championship changing hands. I'd say seek out Ciampa vs. Briscoe in particular, but the entire episode is worthwhile this week as they made sure the two hours were jam-packed from start to finish.

SEE MORE: Collision Reviews