AEW Could Shift More Collision Episodes as Company Looks to Avoid Going Head-to-Head with WWE

AEW isn’t just sidestepping WrestleMania 41—they’re preparing for battle across the board.

While the Collision episode for Thursday, April 17 will air live at 8 p.m. Eastern to avoid direct competition with WWE’s WrestleMania 41 on April 19, that’s not the real story. According to Wrestling Observer Radio, AEW is monitoring the situation moving forward, and more Saturday night episodes of Collision could be moved to other nights altogether to avoid WWE programming.

“I think the same thing is going to happen,” said Dave Meltzer. “They are monitoring the situations when it comes to Saturdays with WWE major shows… in particular Saturday Night’s Main Event, because TBS doesn’t want to go against a wrestling show on NBC, understandably so.”

Meltzer added that Memorial Day weekend could be the next shift, as AEW is reportedly planning a double-shot in Detroit that week. WWE’s return of Saturday Night’s Main Event has AEW considering a preemptive move to Thursdays again, to avoid competing for viewership.

This isn’t just about one event—it’s a long-term play. TBS and TNT want to avoid direct hits with WWE programming, especially on network television or major pay-per-view weekends. And with 2024 being the final year of TNT’s NBA rights deal, AEW could gain even more flexibility next year to shake up Collision‘s time slot permanently.

Bryan Alvarez confirmed the immediate move, noting: “They are not going to be taping it Thursday and airing it on Saturday, airing it live on Thursday.”

The message is clear: AEW is done with head-to-head clashes. Instead, they’re playing it smart—moving dates, dodging traffic, and keeping their product in the spotlight without going to war every weekend..