The AEW TBS Championship, established just over four years ago, has quickly developed a fascinating legacy. Designed as a mid-card title for the AEW Women’s Division to provide wrestlers with something significant to compete for, it boasts two reigns exceeding 500 days, 78 total title defenses, and a unique record with Willow Nightingale becoming the first woman to hold the title multiple times.
Out of the 78 matches contested for the AEW TBS Championship, the belt changed hands only five times—a rarity for a mid-card title typically used to elevate talent toward main event status. This rarity gives these title changes a special significance, prompting a ranked watchlist of all five occurrences, excluding the inaugural championship match where Jade Cargill defeated Ruby Soho, since the title wasn’t being transferred from an existing champion.
5. Willow Nightingale defeating Julia Hart at AEW Dynasty 2024 was a heartwarming moment but ranks lowest due to Hart’s shoulder injury limiting her in-ring performance, resulting in a one-sided squash match. Hart’s injury caused a long absence, diminishing the match’s competitive quality despite the emotional impact of Nightingale’s breakthrough.
4. Chris Statlander overcoming Jade Cargill at AEW Double or Nothing 2023 was a landmark event. Cargill’s historic 508-day reign with 25 defenses ended in a swift victory following Statlander’s return from serious injuries, reinvigorating the AEW pay-per-view and sparking new excitement in the division.
3. Julia Hart’s win over Chris Statlander and Sky Blue in a three-way match at AEW Full Gear 2023 showcased significant talent development. Despite being sandwiched between other headline matches, this battle offered thrilling moments and demonstrated Hart’s rise as a major contender while providing a unique multi-participant title change in the championship’s history.
2. Mercedes Mone’s triumph over Willow Nightingale at AEW Double or Nothing 2024 injected fresh energy into the title scene. Despite concerns about Mone’s ring readiness following an injury, the intense David vs. Goliath style match captivated audiences and marked the best title change up to that point.
1. Willow Nightingale reclaiming the title from Mercedes Mone at AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash 2025 stands as the finest match in the AEW women’s division history. Both competitors brought intense emotion and high stakes, delivering a match that could set a milestone for women’s wrestling in AEW, hinting at the potential for a women’s match to headline a major AEW pay-per-view in the near future.
Fan Take: This ranking highlights key moments that have shaped and elevated the AEW TBS Championship, reflecting the growing prestige of the women’s division. For AEW fans, these matches aren’t just title changes—they symbolize the evolution of women’s wrestling in AEW, promising more high-stakes, main-event caliber bouts that can redefine the sport’s future.
