AEW World Championship

Lore & Background

The championship was first teased on AEW's YouTube channel on May 22, 2019, where actor and comedian Jack Whitehall humorously attempted to reveal the title belt. The winner of the Casino Battle Royale at Double or Nothing would face the winner of the main event to determine the inaugural champion. At Double or Nothing, 'Hangman' Adam Page won the Casino Battle Royale, while Chris Jericho defeated Kenny Omega. At All Out on August 31, 2019, Jericho defeated Page to become the inaugural champion. The belt was stolen from Jericho's limousine shortly after but recovered on September 4. During Kenny Omega's reign in April 2021, the title was defended for the first time outside AEW at Impact Wrestling's Rebellion event. In June 2022, an interim champion was crowned due to CM Punk's injury; Jon Moxley became interim champion and later undisputed champion. After a backstage altercation in September 2022, the title was vacated and a tournament was held, won by Jon Moxley. In January 2026, MJF defended the title on the independent circuit. In mid-2026, MJF proclaimed himself the 'one true champion' with a custom belt after losing the title.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed as the referee held up the gleaming gold plate. Dust motes danced in the spotlight where Jon Moxley stood, his eyes locked on the crowd that had erupted into a roar. This wasn't just metal and leather; it was the culmination of years of struggle, the moment AEW announced to the world that they were here to stay.

Reader's Guide

The standard AEW World Championship belt has five plates on a black leather strap, with a large center plate featuring a relief AEW logo, banners reading 'WORLD' and 'CHAMPION', and a nameplate. The design was inspired by the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship belt and created by Dave Millican. After Samoa Joe won the title at Worlds End on December 30, 2023, he brought back the standard belt with updated inner side plates featuring a removable center section for the champion's logo.

Did You Know?

• Chris Jericho was the inaugural AEW World Champion, defeating 'Hangman' Adam Page at All Out on August 31, 2019.
• The championship belt was stolen from Chris Jericho's limousine shortly after All Out 2019 but was recovered on September 4.
• During Kenny Omega's reign, the title was defended for the first time outside AEW at Impact Wrestling's Rebellion event on April 25, 2021.
• An interim champion was crowned in June 2022 due to CM Punk's injury; Jon Moxley became the interim champion and later the undisputed champion.
• In January 2026, MJF defended the AEW World Championship on the independent circuit at Limitless Wrestling's Limitless Rumble.