Backstage News on AEW Bringing Back “Dark” – As noted, AEW is bringing back its former YouTube series AEW Dark for a one-off special episode filmed over the weekend in Cardiff, Wales (full spoilers at this link). Once a staple of AEW’s online programming before its cancellation, Dark has been revived specifically for the live audience attending the company’s latest international tour. The special edition is set to air tomorrow at 7 PM Eastern on AEW’s official YouTube channel.
According to PWInsider, the decision to tape the special was entirely Tony Khan’s idea. The AEW President reportedly wanted to give the Cardiff crowd something “unique and special” while also showcasing more of the roster that didn’t appear on the live broadcast of Collision. The move aligns with Khan’s history of providing added value for international audiences where AEW events are less frequent.
The card for the special features a mix of AEW talent and notable names from the British independent scene. The Death Riders are scheduled to face The Grizzled Young Veterans and Nathan Cruz, continuing their dominance even on non-televised platforms. A six-man tag team match will see Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong, and Mascara Dorada team up against Mark Andrews, Kid Lykos, and Kid Lykos II. Andrews, a Welsh native, was expected to receive a major reaction from the hometown crowd.
The final match announced is a singles contest between Isla Dawn and Marina Shafir. Shafir, who has been positioned as a key enforcer for The Death Riders, will look to extend her momentum against Dawn. The inclusion of these matches highlights AEW’s effort to blend established stars with local talent, giving the Cardiff taping a distinct flavor compared to a standard domestic show.
The return of AEW Dark, even for one night, serves as a nostalgic nod to fans who followed the series during its original run. Dark was often used to develop younger talent and pad win-loss records, but it also built a cult following thanks to its relaxed commentary and unique matchups.
The taping took place alongside AEW Collision: Winter Is Coming, which aired live from the Utilita Arena in Cardiff on Saturday, December 13. That show opened with Swerve Strickland defeating Josh Alexander and declaring his intention to challenge for the AEW World Championship. It was later announced that Samoa Joe will defend the title in a three-way match against Strickland and “Hangman” Adam Page at AEW Worlds End on December 27 in Chicago. Additionally, Kris Statlander will defend the AEW Women’s World Championship against Jamie Hayter at the same pay-per-view, setting the stage for a massive close to 2025.
Backstage News on AEW Bringing Back “Dark”
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