All Elite Wrestling taped its “Collision: Beach Break” special episode on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, which is set to air this Saturday, May 17th. Here are the spoilers courtesy of PWInsider.com:
The evening was highlighted by an emotional tribute to the late Steve “Mongo” McMichael, featuring his wife, Misty, and WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, alongside a series of impactful matches.
The taping reportedly opened with women’s action as Megan Bayne, accompanied by Penelope Ford, secured a victory over Anna Jay, who had Harley Cameron in her corner. Following this, Tony Schiavone hosted a heartfelt tribute to Chicago Bears legend and former WCW wrestler Steve “Mongo” McMichael.
Mongo’s wife, Misty McMichael, was brought to the ring and spoke lovingly of her late husband. She shared that he “was the most special man ever in her life and he made his imprint in football and pro wrestling.”
AEW and wrestling legend Dean Malenko was also introduced as part of the segment. Schiavone then detailed Mongo’s illustrious football career and his contributions to professional wrestling, noting that May is ALS Awareness Month, the disease McMichael courageously battled.
Ric Flair then made a poignant appearance, embracing Misty and Malenko. Flair addressed the Chicago crowd, stating, “Chicago is one of the greatest wrestling cities in the world,” recalling his own historic World title loss to Ricky Steamboat in the city and noting “tonight, AEW was giving them a chance to have a moment to celebrate Steve McMichael.”
“The Nature Boy” paid further tribute to his Four Horsemen stablemate. “He said to be the man, you have to beat the man and Mongo was more man than anyone Flair has ever known. He fought ALS for six years,” Flair declared, also praising Misty: “His wife Misty never left Mongo’s side and learned how to be a nurse.” The crowd responded with chants for “Mongo,” and Flair concluded by thanking AEW and Tony Khan for allowing him to honor his friend.
In match results from the taping, ROH World Champion Bandido teamed with Tomohiro Ishii and Brody King to defeat the trio of Rocky Romero, Lance Archer, and Trent Beretta. The victorious team was reportedly attacked post-match before The Outrunners made the save.
“Speedball” Mike Bailey was victorious over Blake Christian in singles action. Following his win, Bailey called out Kazuchika Okada; Okada appeared, but Bailey was then ambushed by Rush and Dralistico.
A chaotic Chicago Street Fight saw Big Bill and Bryan Keith overcome The Gates of Agony. The match was described as a “really entertaining brawl” featuring numerous tables and weapons.
In a significant tag team encounter, current ROH World Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara defeated CRU (Action Andretti & Lio Rush). With the victory, Rhodes and Guevara have earned a match against The Hurt Syndicate at the upcoming Double or Nothing pay-per-view.
Finally, Powerhouse Hobbs defeated Wheeler Yuta in singles competition. Post-match, Marina Shafir reportedly attacked Hobbs, leading to Willow Nightingale coming out to make the save for Hobbs. The taped “Beach Break” edition of AEW Collision promises an emotional tribute and key storyline advancements.
