Tonight is a big night for wrestling fans—Gabe Kidd, the reigning NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, is set to return to All Elite Wrestling for the first time in months. He will make his Collision debut in a singles match against The Butcher at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix.
This isn’t Kidd’s first time in an AEW ring. He previously appeared on Dynamite on June 26, 2024, and followed that up with a tag team victory alongside Roderick Strong against The Infantry on Rampage two days later. Additionally, he has showcased his talent in Ring of Honor, where he secured wins over both Angelico and Anthony Henry.
AEW’s Big Spotlight on Gabe Kidd
If you missed Dynamite on February 19, AEW aired a highlight package that introduced Gabe Kidd to a wider audience. The video showcased his dominance in New Japan Pro Wrestling and his recent clash with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Dynasty this past January. For fans unfamiliar with Kidd’s work in Japan, this was an excellent way to introduce him as a rising force in pro wrestling.
Gabe Kidd isn’t just another young prospect—he’s a future NJPW Global Champion and a potential World Heavyweight Champion in the making. His intensity, hard-hitting style, and relentless energy make him one of the most exciting wrestlers in the industry today.
The Match: Gabe Kidd vs. The Butcher
While it’s great to see Kidd back in AEW, the choice of opponent is questionable. The Butcher is a strong, experienced competitor, but let’s be real—he loses the majority of his singles matches. This feels more like a showcase match for Kidd rather than a competitive battle that could elevate him within AEW.
Ideally, AEW should have booked him against someone with more credibility—a wrestler who rarely loses. A time-limit draw against a top-tier opponent would have done more to solidify Kidd as a major player in AEW. Hopefully, tonight’s appearance leads to a bigger feud for him down the line.
How to Watch Gabe Kidd in Action
- AEW Collision is streaming live on Max and is available through most cable providers. Check your local listings.
- Want to see Gabe Kidd vs. Kenny Omega from Wrestle Dynasty? Subscribe to NJPW World for $9.99/month: Sign Up Here
No matter the outcome tonight, Gabe Kidd’s return to AEW is something you won’t want to miss. This could be the start of something much bigger.