When the lineup for AEW Collision (Oct. 31, 2026) was announced, I was surprised to see the appearance of the Hurt Syndicate in action. That appearance ended in disappointment. Make no mistake. Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP gave the people what they want. The Hurt Syndicate hurt people. The disappointment comes in that no storylines were advanced for them. No new clients, no potential new feud, nothing.
The Hurt Syndicate are hugely popular among the AEW fans. Listening to the live reaction
from their matches is all the evidence needed on that. The Hurt Syndicate literally gave the people what they want in the squash over Aaron Solo and Nick Comoroto. Benjamin had the win in the bag after Lashley went on a spear rampage. The crowd chanted for one more time (spear), so the Hurt Syndicate obliged. Lashley crushed another spear to a loud ovation.
The Hurt Syndicate are some of the best squash match players in the game today. Too bad it doesn’t go much beyond that in AEW. Commentary pumped up a six-match win streak for MVP’s crew. Five of those were squashes, and the other victory was joining the Costco Guys to pound Shane Taylor Promotions on the All In pre-show. This Fright Night squash was the Hurt Syndicate’s first match since London, which was two months ago.
There has been a consistent buzz of rumors that the Hurt Syndicate don’t want to lose. MVP shot down those rumors as false, in particular about refusing to put over Private Party.
Whatever the case behind the scenes, it feels like AEW is dropping the ball by not doing more with the Hurt Syndicate on screen. The story angle about mercenaries for hire has potential, but the follow-through with STP went cold.
The Hurt Syndicate gave the people what they want on Collision. It’s time for AEW to give the people what they want by doing more with the Hurt Syndicate on screen.
What’s your stance on the Hurt Syndicate in AEW? What would you like to see AEW do for the Hurt Syndicate’s next angle or big match?
