With CM Punk’s return to AEW, company President Tony Khan considered doing a brand split with those Collision being built around CM Punk and those who have issues with him being on Dynamite.
The promotion has gone back and forth with it as it’s currently not in play as Khan has stated “not as of now” in recent interviews regarding the split.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that preparations and details were sent out a month ago indicating there would be two distinct rosters for both shows, although exceptions were going to be made.
The report noted, “The move at the time was met with mixed reactions internally. There were several wrestlers who weren’t happy they’d be missing out on signings and independent bookings, which is something AEW has long looked at as a luxury, as AEW is the first priority on all of their contracted talents.”
Other people were happy about it as it would minimize the drama and backstage squabbles that have gone on over the last several years.
It was originally slated to be a hard split before some people on the roster noted it would be softer. Those in Warner Bros. Discovery stated they “preferred no split, but under the right circumstances, anything could work.”
The “transfer portal” trademark that was filed was supposed to be for the split although AEW has “tabled the idea for the time being.”
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