No matter the era in professional wrestling, there’s always a debate: "Does the wrestler give value to the title, or does the title give value to the wrestler?" Recently, AEW President Tony Khan revealed plans to introduce two new championships: the AEW Women’s World Tag Team titles and the Men’s AEW National Championship. Wrestling veteran Tommy Dreamer expressed doubts about the significance of these belts, particularly how the National Championship stands compared to the already established titles in the men’s division, how it will be defended, and if it will hold lasting importance.
Dreamer emphasized that the key factor is the title’s credibility. He questioned whether having numerous championships dilutes their meaning or if the champions themselves help build the title’s prestige. Speaking on "Busted Open After Dark," he said, "Does it matter who’s the champion? I feel like who wins, yes, it matters. How it’s defended… every title should have meaning."
At present, AEW’s men’s roster boasts several titles including the AEW World, World Tag Team, World Trios, Continental, International, Unified, TNT, and now the National Championship. Ricochet made history as the first AEW National Champion by outlasting 11 others in the Casino Gauntlet match at Full Gear last month. He recently defended the championship successfully against Dalton Castle in the ROH finals. This National Championship is Ricochet’s fourth inaugural title, alongside the House of Glory Heavyweight, Lucha Underground, and WWE Men’s Speed Championship.
If using quotes, please credit Wrestling Inc.’s "Busted Open Radio" for transcription.
Fan Take: This development highlights AEW’s ongoing effort to expand its championship landscape, which could either enrich storylines or risk oversaturation. For fans, the key will be seeing how AEW champions maintain the prestige of these belts, ensuring they remain meaningful parts of the sport’s evolving narrative.
