The AEW wrestler Brian Cage revealed that the plan to debut the FTW Championship was quickly arranged after the initial creative concept was paused back in 2020. During AEW Double or Nothing 2020, Cage made his first appearance in the company and earned a title shot against Jon Moxley by winning a Casino Ladder Match. Cage was set to face Moxley two months later at the second night of AEW Fighter Fest, but Moxley had to pull out when his wife, Renee Paquette, tested positive for COVID-19. Rather than facing Moxley, Cage was awarded the FTW Championship by manager Taz, and this belt became a staple in AEW programming for years.
In a Nick Club Wrestling Happy Hour interview, Cage shared that there were no prior discussions about the FTW title’s introduction. He explained that since Moxley’s wife contracted COVID-19 and couldn’t attend the tapings, they decided to give him the FTW title as a temporary measure until Moxley could return for a world title match. Cage described the process as coming together at the last minute without any initial plans, calling it a “wild card” move.
Over the years, the FTW Championship was held by wrestlers like Ricky Starks, HOOK, Jack Perry, and Chris Jericho before HOOK retired the belt at AEW Grand Slam on September 25, 2024, handing it back to Taz.
Fan Take: This news highlights AEW’s ability to adapt creatively under pressure, turning an unexpected situation into a memorable storyline that enriched their programming. For fans, it underscores how quick thinking and flexibility can lead to new and exciting developments in professional wrestling, keeping the sport fresh and unpredictable.
