Report: 'Back Up Plans' For First AEW Collision Show

The debut of AEW Collision has been a big talking point over the last week, though the potential break-down of a return for CM Punk has been a grey cloud above it. With conflicting reports about the status of Punk’s comeback for AEW due to the situation around Ace Steel’s rehiring, it is no longer clear whether Punk will in fact be returning in time for the June 17 debut of Collision.

Initially, it looked as though the United Center in Chicago was booked for the event, with many believing this to be all but confirming a Punk return to AEW. However, AEW have yet to announce the location of this first show, with that being delayed until next week’s AEW Dynamite. Reports indicate that AEW has a back-up plan in place if they can’t sort a deal for Punk’s return, with Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio stating;

“AEW has had contact with Daily's Place as a possible back-up location for the debut of Collision on 6/17. This is not an official change, but it does appear that the CM Punk situation has until Wednesday to go whichever way it goes and if he's not appearing then they won't go to the United Center. People involved with the proposed event said they were told yesterday about the show being possible and that a decision would be made over the next week.

“The feeling is, and I agree with this, that the United Center is not the right place for the debut unless Punk is going to be there because fans will expect him and be disappointed if he's not there, whether he's advertised or not. Also, without fans believing he will be there, I don't see them being able to sell enough tickets on such short notice that it would be worth it since they already have a show a few days later at the Wintrust Arena.”

Daily’s Place was the home of AEW throughout the pandemic era, and it is connected to the stadium of the Khan-owned Jacksonville Jaguars team.