AEW National Championship to Debut at Full Gear, Champion to Defend Title at ROH Final Battle
A new era of championship competition is dawning in professional wrestling as all Elite Wrestling (AEW) prepares to crown its inaugural AEW National Champion at AEW Full Gear on November 22, with plans already in motion for the titleholder to defend the belt at Ring of Honor Final Battle on December 5.
The announcement, made during an AEW Full Gear media call, signals a strategic move by AEW President Tony Khan to expand the promotion’s reach and forge new traditions within the wrestling world. The champion’s first defense is scheduled to take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.
According to Khan, the creation of the AEW National Championship is about more than just adding another title. “I think it’s a great opportunity to crown a new champion, but also to create this new tradition and also for AEW to spread our influence, whether it be stars from the outside coming to challenge for our National Championship here or our National Championship touring around America or other places and visiting some other promotions,” he stated.
This marks a meaningful departure from past practices, as Khan confirmed this will be the first time an AEW champion will defend a title at a Ring of Honor event. “One thing I’ve never done is have an AEW champion show up and defend the belt at Ring of Honor. That is going to happen at Final Battle. The National Champion will be there and defending the championship,” he explained. “That’s something I’m excited about because at no point in Ring of Honor in its history, before we owned the promotion or in the time since I took over ROH, has there ever been an AEW champion appearing and defending the title on the show, so I think that’s going to be something very exciting.”
The AEW National Championship draws inspiration from the NWA National Heavyweight Championship of the 1980s, a title known for its prominence and frequent defenses. the first champion will be resolute through the Men’s Casino Gauntlet match at Full Gear.
Currently,five competitors are confirmed for the Gauntlet: Bobby Lashley,Shelton Benjamin,Ricochet,Kevin Knight,and “Speedball” Mike Bailey. Khan
Why was the AEW national Championship created? AEW president Tony Khan created the championship to expand the promotion’s reach, establish a new tradition, and allow for cross-promotional opportunities. He wants to see the champion defend the title in other wrestling organizations.
Who is involved? Tony Khan announced the championship. The inaugural champion will be determined at AEW Full Gear through a Men’s Casino Gauntlet match. Confirmed participants include Bobby Lashley,Shelton Benjamin,Ricochet,Kevin Knight,and “Speedball” Mike Bailey. The champion will then defend the title at Ring of Honor Final Battle.
what is the significance of this move? This is the first time an AEW champion will defend a title at a Ring of Honor event, marking a significant shift in how AEW utilizes its championships and interacts with its affiliated promotion.The title is inspired by the NWA National Heavyweight Championship,known for frequent defenses.
how did it end? The inaugural AEW National Champion will be crowned at AEW Full Gear on November 22nd. The champion is then scheduled to defend the title at Ring of Honor Final Battle on December 5th. The outcome of both events will determine the initial trajectory of the championship and its impact on the wrestling landscape.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit AEW with a h/t to Wrestling Inc.
