AEW Collision fans recently experienced a night of surprises when technical difficulties led to an unexpected appearance by none other than The Rock. This article breaks down what happened, why it matters, and how the pro wrestling world responded.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's image captures the surprise factor from AEW Collision’s interruption.

The Moment The Rock Interrupted AEW Collision

Saturday nights are known for thrilling action on AEW Collision, but the May 17, 2025 episode will be remembered for something far different. While fans were glued to their screens, TNT suddenly cut away from the main event and began airing "Black Adam," the hit superhero movie starring The Rock. Viewers were left shocked as their wrestling night switched to a Hollywood blockbuster without warning.

Tony Khan and AEW quickly addressed the situation. According to Cageside Seats, a technical glitch led to this abrupt transition. Fans who tuned in for thrilling matches found themselves watching Dwayne Johnson on the big screen instead of the ring. AEW issued statements to reassure their loyal viewers and promised a full replay on-demand for anyone who missed the action.

What Led to the Sudden Change?

TNT displayed a message citing technical difficulties during AEW Collision. As recapped by Wrestlezone, viewers were greeted by scenes from "Black Adam" rather than the expected tag team bout and main event. The irony was not lost on fans, as "The Rock"—a WWE legend—took center stage on a night dedicated to AEW.

AEW and TNT both assured fans that the West Coast feed aired in full and that the matches were available for streaming. Tony Khan even took to social media to clarify that everyone would get to see the matches they missed. Fans’ reactions ranged from amusement to frustration, sparking lively debates about what had occurred.

How Fans and Wrestling Pros Reacted

The wrestling community quickly reacted with memes and commentary. Longtime fans recognized the humor in The Rock—formerly a WWE superstar—taking over an AEW show, even if unintentionally. The abrupt interruption became the topic of the night across social channels. Some fans theorized about possible conspiracies, while others simply laughed off the unexpected entertainment.

If you missed the rest of the card and still want an in-depth look at all the matchups, check out the full AEW Collision preview for the episode on the official AEW site. This resource offers everything from match breakdowns to the special tribute planned for Steve “Mongo” McMichael.

Why The Rock’s Star Power Matters

Even when he’s not in the ring, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s presence is undeniable. Whether starring in blockbuster films or inspiring athletes worldwide, The Rock commands attention. The unexpected switch to "Black Adam" during AEW Collision only reinforced his status as a pop culture juggernaut.

The incident is also a reminder of how closely tied the world of wrestling and entertainment have become. Fans tuning in for AEW found themselves swept up in a Hollywood moment, blurring the lines between the squared circle and the silver screen.

Conclusion: A Night Fans Won’t Soon Forget

The interruption of AEW Collision by a movie starring The Rock proved memorable for all the right reasons. While technical issues can be frustrating, this particular glitch became a unique crossover event between wrestling and cinema. If you want to relive all the action or catch what you missed, AEW has made the full episode available online.

Stay tuned for more coverage and surprises from both AEW and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In professional wrestling, you never truly know what’s coming next!