🎙️ DESK INTRO
Ed: “Fans, All Elite Wrestling didn’t just keep the wheels turning this week — they stomped the accelerator and sent the whole operation barreling toward Forbidden Door!”
Gordon: “Indeed. A most consequential stretch, with tournaments advancing, rivalries sharpening, and several competitors making emphatic statements on Collision.”
🔵 AEW WEEK IN REVIEW
AEW rolled straight from a loaded Dynamite into a Collision that delivered tournament drama, international flair, and a few shocks that will echo into Forbidden Door.
🔥 AEW COLLISION — JUNE 20, 2026
Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land, TX (All results sourced from AEW’s official site, Fightful, Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, Wrestling Inc., and eWrestlingNews.)
⭐ Match 1 — The Elite (Young Bucks & Jack Perry) def. The Lethal Twist
A chaotic trios opener with nonstop motion. Perry hit a moonsault to the floor, the Bucks hit stereo superkicks, and the finish came when the Bucks delivered the Meltzer Driver on Lee Johnson for the pin. Ed: “That match moved so fast I’m not sure the cameras ever caught up!”
⭐ Survival of the Fittest Qualifier — Kris Statlander def. Mina Shirakawa
Statlander countered an armbar into a quick roll‑up, advancing to the July 1 TBS Championship match. Shirakawa and Statlander shook hands afterward, but Harley Cameron’s presence hinted at future tension. Gordon: “A most resourceful victory — Statlander turned defense into triumph in an instant.”
⭐ The Hurt Syndicate (Lashley & Benjamin) def. Warren Johnson & Zack Mason
A dominant showing. MVP declared the Syndicate “in the hurt business” and open for hire. Ed: “They didn’t just win — they sent a memo to the entire locker room.”
⭐ Místico def. Dante Martin
A dazzling lucha showcase. Místico’s precision and timing carried the match, while Dante’s aerial offense kept the crowd roaring. Gordon: “A most graceful contest — athleticism elevated to art.”
⭐ PAC def. Jay Alexander
PAC continued building momentum ahead of Forbidden Door, then called out Shota Umino for their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. Ed: “PAC looked like a man who already sees gold in his future.”
⭐ Zack Sabre Jr. def. Adam Priest
ZSJ tuned up for his showdown with Kenny Omega, showcasing his trademark technical mastery. Gordon: “A most surgical performance — every limb targeted with purpose.”
⭐ Women’s Owen Hart Cup Semifinal — Maya World def. Athena
One of the biggest upsets in AEW history. Maya World defeated her mentor, ROH Women’s Champion Athena, to advance to the Owen Cup Final against Mercedes Moné. Moné appeared afterward — then joined Athena in attacking Maya. Ed: “Maya World didn’t just shock the world — she rewrote the bracket in real time!”
📰 AEW NEWS & RUMORS
⭐ Maya World’s upset dominates headlines
Her win over Athena is being called one of the most emotional AEW tournament moments in years.
⭐ Jericho vs. Ciampa heats up
Their Collision face‑to‑face erupted into a brawl, setting up their July 8 Beach Break match.
⭐ ZSJ vs. Omega hype intensifies
ZSJ’s Collision win and Omega’s Dynamite confrontation continue to build anticipation for their Forbidden Door clash.
⭐ PAC vs. Shota Umino confirmed
Umino accepted PAC’s challenge for Forbidden Door.
⭐ TBS Title picture sharpens
Statlander advances; Shida vows the title will stand for “The Best is Shida.”
🟣 DESK SEGMENT — ED & GORDON DISCUSS THE JIM ROSS INTERVIEW WITH THE ROCK & STEVE AUSTIN (March 20, 2001)
Ed: “You know, partner, Collision had its fireworks — but if we’re talking legendary tension, nothing quite matches that sit‑down Jim Ross conducted with The Rock and Steve Austin back in March of 2001.”
Gordon: “Indeed. A most riveting exchange. JR positioned himself between two men on a collision course for WrestleMania, and both laid bare their motivations.”
What made the interview iconic
- Rock promised Austin he’d get the absolute best version of The Great One.
- Austin declared he needed to beat The Rock — not wanted, needed.
- JR kept the interview grounded, even as the intensity threatened to boil over.
- It set the emotional tone for one of the most celebrated main events in wrestling history.
Ed: “That wasn’t hype — that was two men telling the world exactly who they were and what they were willing to do.”
Gordon: “A most masterful piece of broadcasting by Ross — equal parts mediator, historian, and provocateur.”
[We cut to a room backstage where we see The WWF Champion, The Rock and his Wrestlemania challenger ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. The Rock is at the left side of the screen while Austin is at the right side, with Jim Ross in the middle acting as a moderator]
Jim Ross: “Certainly not withstanding the recent physicality involving both you two gentlemen, I wanna thank you for taking the time out of your schedules to be here, and thank you in advance for your professionalism during this interview. We’re here to talk about Wrestlemania. We’re here to talk about The Rock defending the WWF Title against ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin in the Reliant Astrodome on Sunday April 1st. But before we do, Rock, tonight you have a heck of a tall order ahead of you, because you’re in a handicap match against two men, Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit as ordered by Commissioner Regal. Now Steve, I don’t know how much stroke I have with the Commissioner these days [See Note 1], but would you be willing to step up and be The Rock’s tag team partner tonight–“
The Rock [interrupting]: “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Jim. You don’t have to ask ‘Stone Cold’ that, you should ask me that. I don’t need a partner, I don’t want a partner. And at this point in time, he’d be the last guy I would ever want as a tag team partner.”
Steve Austin: “You gonna answer all my questions? [Turn to look at JR] Did you ask me the question?”
Jim Ross: “Yes I did.”
Steve Austin: “You gonna answer all my questions?”
Jim Ross: “Well, perhaps I should’ve asked The Rock the question, so… obviously it wasn’t a good question, and that’s my responsibility. Uhh… WrestleMania, April 1st, without a doubt this is the most eagerly anticipated main event in Wrestlemania history. This certainly could be the biggest Wrestlemania in World Wrestling Federation history as well. What does, Rock, the WWF Championship, as a professional, what does it mean to you, being the WWF Champion, what does that title mean to you?”
The Rock: “Well, being the WWF Champion solidifies the fact that you are at the mountain top, solidifies the fact that you’ve grabbed that brass ring. It’s something I’ve worked very hard for my entire life because I grew up in the industry, that’s the reason why I’m here in the WWF. So being the WWF Champion solidifies the fact… that I’m the absolute best [crowd cheers].”
Jim Ross: “Steve, on SmackDown last week, you spoke of this hellacious journey, personally for you, back. Have you changed your thoughts about what this match means in the last seven days since we’ve talked about it?”
Steve Austin: “No, I haven’t changed a damn thing about what I thought. It means ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is back, I can stop talkin’ about it, the journey’s over. It’s ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs. The Rock, for the World Wrestling Federation Title, that’s what it is. [Crowd Cheers]”
Jim Ross: “It-it-it certainly seems to me, and certainly not degrading the WWF Title because that’s it. Anybody that passes through the doors of the WWF, as you have said Steve, should be here for one thing and one thing only, that’s to become the WWF Champion. But it seems to me that thanks to Mr. McMahon assigning ‘Stone Cold”s wife Debra as The Rock’s manager, that that has heightened, to me, the personal animosity, the personal issue between the two of you.”
The Rock: “Well it’s heightened a lot of things, it’s heightened the animosity, professional as well as personal. The fact of the matter is this, is I never asked for Debra to be my manager, never wanted Debra to be my manager, and I’ll go on the record of saying I have no problem with Debra personally, or professionally for that matter. But the fact of the matter is this, she’s not my responsibility. She’s not my wife… [Points at Austin] she’s your wife.”
Steve Austin: “Let me go on record as sayin’ that I don’t like the fact that my wife is your manager, because there’s a conflict of interest there. If she’s supposed to be your manager, and I’m wrestlin’ you for the World Wrestling Federation Championship at WrestleMania, yeah, that’s a problem. That’s a big problem. But I accept that my wife should have a career and all more power to her. I’m gettin’ a little worked up here, I’ll just try to settle down [Steve re-adjust himself on his chair], and I’ll tell you right now, I don’t like the tone in your voice when you mention my name, or my wife.”
Jim Ross: “Well-“
Steve Austin: [Interrupting] “You might wanna take a little of the base outta your voice.”
The Rock: “Well, I might not-“
Steve Austin: [Interrupting again] “I’m gonna go ahead and cut you off here, let’s just go ahead and take Debra outta the equation, bam, she a non-factor. The fact is, Rock, you got the WWF Title, and I want it. Can we change the scenario, NO! Don’t even worry about that, just don’t even go there. You got what I want, enough said about that.”
Jim Ross: “[Stuttering for a bit] People are wondering what this animosity, do you hate each other? [Looks at Austin] Personally, what do you think of this man? He is the champion. Personally, as a human being?”
Steve Austin: “Personally, what do I think about The Rock?”
Jim Ross: “Right.”
Steve Austin: “He’s probably a wonderful human being and a credit to the human race in a lot of people’s views. In my opinion, I couldn’t care less about The Rock. Personally…”
Jim Ross: [Looks at Rock] “Your thoughts on ‘Stone Cold’ as a human being, Rock? I know you’re–“
The Rock: “Y’know, it’s– it’s… it’s no mystery, there’s no mystery how I feel about ‘Stone Cold’, there’s no mystery how ‘Stone Cold’ feels about The Rock. We’ve gone from good to bad, bad to good, we’ve done it all, across the whole spectrum. But the fact of the matter is this, professionally… I’ve earned his respect. Professionally, he’s earned mine. When we get in that ring together, he brings out the best in The Rock, The Rock brings out the best in ‘Stone Cold’, no question. Personally? [The Rock thinks for a few seconds] Personally… I don’t like him.” [Austin smirks a bit]
Jim Ross: “I– I don’t think we need to let this… degenerate–“
Steve Austin: [Interrupting] “I’m trying to be a pro over here, right?”
Jim Ross: “I hope–“
Steve Austin: [Interrupting again] Well that ain’t gonna last much longer that asshole keep sassin’ me.”
Jim Ross: Well, let-let-let’s focus back on WrestleMania, there’s–“
Steve Austin: “How come you never asked what the belt meant to me?”
Jim Ross: “Alright, good question.”
Steve Austin: “You said “what’s it like to be back at WrestleMania?”, ask me what the belt meant to me-“
Jim Ross: “What does the belt– OK, well what does the WW–“
Steve Austin: [interrupting] “I’ll paraphrase everythin’ he said, it means I’m the number one son of a bitch in the industry [crowd cheers], bottom line. That’s my opinion what the belt means to me, I just thought ya should’ve asked me the question too.”
Jim Ross: “OK…”
Steve Austin: “A little one-sided here if ya ask me.”
Jim Ross: “Alright, well I’ll ask ya another question if you don’t mind, and that question is, as the challenger, the onus is gonna be on you, in the Astrodome at WrestleMania, because we’re looking at one fall, sixty minute time limit, he’s the WWF Champion, he doesn’t have to beat you… but you damn sure gotta beat him. Strategically, does that change gameplans, mindset, or is it still full speed ahead?”
Steve Austin: “It’s full speed ahead, because when I get in there with The Rock, in the Astrodome, 65,000 screamin’ fans watchin’ every single move that happens in that ring, yeah, I gotta beat that man. I’ve never wrestled an hour in my life, but if that’s what it takes to get the job done, that’s exactly what I’ll do. My strategy is to go in there, do whatever it takes to beat The Rock, one-two-three, and become the World Wrestling Federation Champion.”
Jim Ross: [Turns to the Champion] “Rock, without revealing your hand and your strategy. Your mindset as far as your approach to this… as competitor to competitor?”
The Rock: “Revealing my hand and my strategy? [Turns to Austin] The fact of the matter is this, is you brought up a very good point, Jim Ross, is that The Rock doesn’t have to beat ‘Stone Cold’, but ‘Stone Cold’ has to beat The Rock. But as far as I’m concerned, the belt is danglin’ and we’re both going for it. So I got one reason and one reason only to go inside that ring, and that is to beat ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, it’s just that simple. What, I’m just gonna go in there and back off just because I’m the champion?”
Steve Austin: “Yeah, I’m glad you said that, because I don’t want you to be on defense the whole match. Yeah, I appreciate the fact that you wanna beat ‘Stone Cold’ as much as I NEED to beat you. ‘Cause I don’t want ya on defense all night long, I appreciate the fact that you wanna whip my ass. It ain’t gonna happen, but I appreciate your mentality.”
The Rock: “Oh, well I’m glad you appreciate my mentality, I’m glad you appreciate the fact that I wanna whip your ass so much. But see how much you’ll appreciate it on April 1st, see how much you appreciate it then.”
Stone Cold: [With a smile on his face]: “You know what, you got that little T-shirt that says “Just Bring It” on the front of it? Well, that night when you’re lookin’ up at the lights, and that little T-shirt says “Just Bring It”… you will know, that ‘Stone Cold’ just brought of it.”
The Rock: “Yeah? Well you got your little T-shirt right there too, Austin 3:16. ‘Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!’ Right? Well I say ‘Just Bring It’, you say ‘I just whipped your ass’, so on April 1st, why don’t you just come try and whip The Rock’s ass?”
Jim Ross: “Obviously… the emotion, and I understand emotion because of what’s at stake. What’s at stake is the WWF Title at WrestleMania. But in closing this interview, and again I appreciate your professionalism, I know it’s not easy. Any closing remarks, Rock, as the champion to the challenger?”
The Rock: “Yeah, we could talk about one fall, two falls, sixty minutes, sixty days. Talk about Debra being my manager, whose responsibility it is. It’s his wife, it’s this that’s happening, it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is April 1st, WrestleMania 17, the biggest of all-time. The Rock and Austin, the biggest of all-TIME. The fact of the matter is this, is I will give you every drop of sweat, every drop of blood, every ounce of energy I have. Win, lose or draw, you are gonna get the absolute best of The Rock at WrestleMania. And there’s a reason why they call me The Rock, there’s a reason why they call me the most electrifying man the world has ever seen, and all that! And there’s a reason why they call me the best. Come April 1, two unstoppable forces will meet… and all questions will be answered.”
Jim Ross: “Steve, your final thoughts about this match?”
Steve Austin: “Yeah.. without gettin’ overly sentimental, I’ll go on the record of sayin’ every single time that I’ve been in the ring with The Rock, he has brought out the absolute best in ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. So when I roll in, to the Astrodome and WrestleMania on April 1st, do I wanna beat ya? On a personal level, oh hell yeah, I do. But on a professional level, which bleeds over into my personal existence, I need to beat you, Rock. It need it more than anything that you could ever imagine. So that’s the mentality I roll into the Astrodome with, the fact that ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is back, and that I must beat The Rock, to be the World Wrestling Federation Champion, once again, and there is no other way. There can be only one [Austin puts one finger up]… there can be only one World Wrestling Federation Champion. And that will be, Rock, when it’s all said and done… ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin… with all due respect…”
Jim Ross: “Gentlemen, thank you very much for your time and best of luck to both of ya at WrestleMania.”
Credit: cagematch.net
🎙️ DESK OUTRO
Ed: “From Maya World’s miracle win to ZSJ sharpening his blades, from PAC’s challenge to the Elite’s momentum — AEW is marching toward Forbidden Door with purpose!”
Gordon: “Indeed. A most compelling week, and if history teaches us anything — as JR, Rock, and Austin once did — the biggest moments often come when tensions reach their peak.”