AEW Dynamite & Collision: A Week of Anticipation and High Stakes
AEW's weekly doubleheader, Dynamite and Collision, is set to air live on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine. With just four days until Double or Nothing, the anticipation is palpable, and the card is packed with high-stakes matches and intriguing storylines.
Darby Allin's Title Defense
One of the most anticipated matches is the AEW World Championship bout between Darby Allin and 'Speedball' Mike Bailey. Allin, the current champion, has been on a title streak, defending his belt six times in just 35 days. However, Bailey, on a three-match win streak, poses a significant threat. The question remains: will Allin retain his title, or will Bailey create chaos and become the new AEW World Champion in Portland?
The Women's Division Chaos
The AEW women's division is in a state of flux, and the 8-Woman Tag Match reflects this. The Triangle of Madness (Thekla, Julia Hart, and Skye Blue) and ROH Women's World Champion Athena take on Thunder Rosa, Mina Shirakawa, and the Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor). This match not only showcases the talent but also sets the stage for future rivalries, including Thekla's 4-Way title defense at Double or Nothing.
Moxley vs. O'Reilly
In the AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match, Jon Moxley faces Kyle O'Reilly. Moxley, known for his wisdom, has struggled against O'Reilly, who has submitted him in their previous encounters. The question arises: will Moxley's recent transformation make a difference? O'Reilly aims to submit Moxley again, setting up a future title shot.
Tag Team Title Showdown
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) defend their AEW World Tag Team Titles against The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong). With FTR's focus divided between their New York Street Fight 'I Quit' match at Double or Nothing and their rivalry with The Conglomeration, the outcome of this match is uncertain.
Ospreay vs. Shibata
Will Ospreay's recent address to The Opps and his upcoming Owen Cup quarterfinal against Samoa Joe lead to a decisive victory over Katsuyori Shibata? The history of their matches is split, leaving the door open for Shibata to make a statement.
Ricochet vs. The Elite
Ricochet, Andrade El Ídolo, and Mark Davis face off against Jericho and The Young Bucks in a heated preview of the Stadium Stampede at Double or Nothing. The escalating tensions between these factions will determine who gains the upper hand heading into the pay-per-view event.
Briscoe vs. Ciampa
Mark Briscoe returns to action, calling out Tommaso Ciampa for an Anything Goes Match. The pair's history and the recent brawl set the stage for an intense encounter, with Briscoe seeking revenge for his previous injury.
Five-Minute Eliminator Challenge
Divine Dominion's Megan Bayne and Lena Kross challenge any team to a five-minute match, and so far, no team has lasted the duration. The dominant champions are eager to prove their mettle in Portland.
Strickland's Return
Swerve Strickland's return to action against ROH World Champion Bandido adds another layer of intrigue. Strickland's presence in Portland could have significant implications for the Owen Cup and the ROH title.
How to Watch
AEW Dynamite and Collision will be broadcast live on TBS at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and streamed on HBO Max. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of AEW's top talent, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these high-stakes matches.
In my opinion, this card is a testament to AEW's ability to create compelling storylines and build anticipation. The talent's passion and the fans' energy will make this a memorable night in Portland, further fueling the excitement for Double or Nothing.
