Just a day after their electrifying debut at ROH “Death Before Dishonor,” the flamboyant duo formerly known as WWE’s Maximum Male Models, now rebranded as MxM Collection, strutted into AEW with all the flair of a peacock in a tuxedo. Mason Madden and Mansoor made their highly anticipated AEW debut on the latest edition of “AEW Collision,” facing off against the grizzled veterans, FTR, in the main event. While the seasoned team of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood ultimately deflated the debut dream, MxM Collection’s performance left fans bedazzled and craving more.
In a match that could only be described as a rollercoaster wrapped in a fashion show, Madden and Mansoor gave FTR a run for their money right out of the gate. The ring was a runway as the two teams exchanged holds, flips, and glamor shots, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The match was a symphony of near falls, each more heart-stopping than the last. Yet, in the end, experience trumped youthful exuberance. Harwood pinned Mansoor after the latter unwittingly pirouetted into a Shatter Machine, courtesy of the former AEW World Tag Team Champions.
But the post-match scene was where the magic truly happened. In a gesture of mutual respect that could melt even the iciest of hearts, Wheeler and Harwood extended their fingers towards the newly-minted AEW stars. After a moment of hesitation and a glance exchanged between Madden and Mansoor, they reached out, completing the fingertip touch of recognition and respect—a moment that could be dubbed the ‘E.T. Touch’ of professional wrestling.
Saturday’s spectacular showing was MxM Collection’s triumphant return to television, their first since gracing the screens on the January 20, 2023 episode of “WWE SmackDown.” After parting ways with WWE in September 2023, Madden and Mansoor showcased their prowess in various independent promotions, including Deadlock Pro Wrestling and GCW, before finally landing in AEW and ROH, where they appear poised to continue their meteoric rise.