AEW Collision: Slam Dunk Saturday Review - March 22, 2025

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

AEW TNT Champion Daniel Garcia vs. Adam Cole Ended in a Time-Limit Draw

I appreciate that this went on first because it made it less predictable that it would end in a time-limit draw. Their last match ended in a no contest due to interference from Shane Taylor Promotions, so while I can see some people having an issue with this having a non-finish as well, I like that it keeps the feud going and builds to a third match that will feel even bigger. This was another well-wrestled outing between and it's cool to see a story over the AEW TNT Championship for a change, even if it's primarily playing out on Collision.

Hook def. Max Caster

Caster's unsuccessful open challenges continue. It's worth noting that the crowd chanted for Anthony Bowens and Caster responded by saying he wasn't there and that he ran him out of AEW, so I'm sure this is building to Bowens returning and either them feuding or just straight-up beating him. As for this match, it was a standard squash for Hook. There was no reason for it to be any more than what it was.

Julia Hart def. Queen Aminata

This was the rubber match in their series. Their "rivalry" really hasn't had much depth, but it's given something for both of them to do for a little bit, so there's been that. They had a good match here and Hart winning was the right outcome. I don't believe Hart ever challenged Mercedes Mone for the AEW TBS Championship last year (she got hurt, didn't she?), so maybe that's what's next for Hart.

The Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita and The Murder Machines) def. The Conglomeration (Rocky Romero and Mark Briscoe) and Powerhouse Hobbs

I realize Hobbs was previously aligned with The Don Callis Family and feuded with Takeshita late last year, but I don't believe he's had much interaction with them in recent months, so this felt random. Don't get me wrong, these six guys worked well together and delivered a quality contest, but it didn't seem to exist for any particular reason other than to give The Don Callis Family a rebound victory following a string of losses.

Overall Show

I can't imagine too many AEW fans stayed up late to watch this show, but I'm sure the fact it aired immediately after the basketball coverage will help it in the ratings. Those who did tune in were treated to a thumbs-up edition of Collision. It was far from a must-see hour of wrestling, but it was definitely better than what we used to get on Rampage at the end of its run and they filled the hour nicely. I thought Slam Dunk Sunday aired back-to-back with this episode, but I guess it's actually airing on Sunday night instead.

SEE MORE: Collision Reviews