Fans tuning into AEW Collision Saturday were greeted to a new theme song that was much different than the “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” classic by Elton John — a change the head of AEW music said he knew would be “universally hated.”
It’s unknown what the reason was for the change, but regardless Mikey Rukus — the man who helped make “Red Light Is On (Let’s Go)” — posted on X that he assumed there would be pushback from it.
“Hey guys. Its ok. I knew it would be universally hated. There’s no such thing as an upgrade from Elton. Change is inevitable. We tried something different with the college/gogo cadence. I knew many would t get it. Again, it’s ok. I’m happy with it, my team is happy with it. It’s not changing,” he posted.
Rukus also said on X that the song was actually finished on Saturday and that it should be up on Spotify within a week or so.
AEW will commemorate and honor Black HIstory Month with a compilation album designed to tell the stories of more than 20 Black AEW talents.
Titled “Who We Are: A Celebration of Excellence, Vol. 1,” the album will feature an introduction from musician Bootsy Collins.
Produced by in-house music lead Mikey Rukus, “Who We Are” will be released in CD format on Friday, February 18th via AEW’s online store with proceeds going toward Collins’ foundation. A date for availability on streaming platforms wasn’t announced, but will be available “in the near future.”
From the release:
“Featuring 21 tracks, the album includes contributions from artists such as Jon Connor, Mega Ran, Brinson, Omega Sparx, Monteasy, Josiah Williams, AEW’s own Max Caster and Sonny Kiss, and many more. In developing this project, Rukus utilized his previous experience working hand-in-hand with AEW’s roster to curate their entrance music, pairing wrestlers with producers and artists to tell their stories in a unique, collaborative format.”
The following is the track listing:
1. Intro f. Bootsy Collins
2. In The Mix (Red Velvet Story) f. Will Washington, Wrestle and Flow, Cutright, E.Quipped 3. Taiga Styling (Lee Moriarty Story) f. True God, Shokus Apollo
4. Shine (Nyla Rose Story) f. Richa Latta, Monteasy, Jon Connor, Bliz
5. Whatcha Lookin’ At (Sonny Kiss Story) f. Sonny Kiss, Brinson
A somber Matt Jackson opened this week’s Being The Elite, explaining that he was about to fly to Jacksonville for last week’s Brodie Lee tribute show.
Footage from the show aired, including a behind-the-scenes look at a backstage speech that Eddie Kingston gave, encouraging the crew to perform for Brodie and everyone they have collectively ever lost. Kingston also encouraged the roster to tell each other that they love one another.
The Elite —
There was an easter egg at the end of the episode — a still shot of The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega standing over a fallen AJ Styles in an NJPW ring from when Omega kicked Styles out of Bullet Club in 2016.
BTE Championship —
John Silver retained the BTE Championship in a kick the cap off a water bottle challenge, defeating Marko Stunt.
Dark Order —
Dasha, Ortiz and Diamante confronted Alex Abrahantes over his apparent decision to join Dark Order. Abrahantes is still acting as though he hasn’t joined the group.
Miscellaneous bits —
Matt Hardy suggested that Private Party each give him 30 percent of their pay in exchange for his mentoring and advice.
The Bunny was looking for Brandon Cutler backstage while armed with scissors.
Trent beat Joey Janela in chess. Janela then brought in Luchasaurus who easily defeated Trent.
Kip Sabian asked Leva Bates if she let him win when they played video games. Bates again said she didn’t let him win. Sabian wanted Bates to individually tweet fans to tell them that he was a superior gamer and that she did not let him win.
Vickie Guerrero got her head caught in a smock while waiting for her hair and makeup to be done. Brian Pillman Jr. entered and thought that she was a nun. This gave Vickie the idea for a new gimmick for herself and Nyla Rose.
The Mikey Rukus music video for Ghost Town debuted. Rukus and Matt Hardy introduced the video.
