The latest episode of Collision had multiple AEW Owen Hart tournament qualifiers on the match card. Overall, three such matches were in store via which three next-round competitors were announced. One of the next round matches was thus announced to be a dream singles match featuring CM Punk.
On the July 1 episode of Collision, the former Ring of Honor World Television Champion Samoa Joe made Roderick Strong tap out with his Coquina Clutch submission hold. This victory confirmed that he officially advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s AEW Owen Hart tournament.
Now in the semis of the AEW Owen Hart tournament, Samoa Joe will compete in the much-anticipated bout against CM Punk. This past Sunday at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door, Punk defeated Satoshi Kojima to advance in the tournament and book his spot in the semis.
Previously, reports had it that Punk and Joe expressed their desire to work in a match. After the former AEW World Champion returned to TV, last month in the debut episode of AEW Collision, a possible feud with Chris Jericho was teased but eventually Punk requested to work with his old rival from ROH, that’s Joe. Additionally, The Second City Savior also reportedly wants to work with “Switchblade” Jay White.
AEW Dynamite: Blood & Guts, Owens Hart Cup Match And More Announced On June 28 Episode
AEW Owen Hart tournament 2023: Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks advance
In the second AEW Owen Hart tournament matchup on Collision, Ricky Starks advanced to the next round by defeating Juice Robinson of Bullet Club Gold. In this match, “Switchblade” Jay White, Austin, and Colten Gunn were banned from appearing at ringside. This stipulation played a pivotal role in Starks securing the pinfall win.
But soon after the match was over, the heel stable was back on track for an ambush on Starks. However, CM Punk and FTR were also out to neutralize the scene.
In the third encounter over a spot at the AEW Owen Hart tournament semifinal, Powerhouse Hobbes defeated Dustin Rhodes on AEW Collision. Thanks to the interferences from QT Marshall, Hobbs managed to get the pin to win and thereby advance to the next round on the men’s side. Hobbes will now go on to face Ricky Starks. The winner of this match will get either Punk or Joe in the final of the tourney.
