5 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Collision (11 May - Results & Review)

2. A Canadian Battle Doesn’t Disappoint

Adam Copeland Kyle O'Reilly
AEW

The first half of Adam Copeland vs. Kyle O'Reilly arguably sagged a bit, but the match maybe needed that opening "feeling out process" to make the second act even better. Vancouver's wrestling masses were firmly behind hometown boy O'Reilly from the off, and that raised a wry smile from Copeland once he realised he'd have to be a bit more villainous than usual.

Typically, the ex-Edge met that challenge head on.

Fans bit on O'Reilly reversing a spear attempt into his guillotine choke, but then Copeland retained the TNT Title after finally landing his go-to finish. Adam socking Kyle in the gut several times and O'Reilly's distressed selling post-match could lead to something story-wise. Keep an eye on that.

Stellar in-ring work from start to finish here. If they did have a slightly different layout planned going in before Vancouver rallied behind Kyle, then credit to both men for pivoting and working the match that live crowd wanted to see. Such adaptability is welcome in an era of rushed spots and cramming everything in.

Advertisement
Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.