AEW Announces New National Championship Ahead of Full Gear

Tony Khan revives a classic title with cross-promotional implications for AEW, ROH, and NJPW

Summary

– AEW revealed the new National Championship during a live announcement on Twitter/X

– The title honors the classic National Championship last unified in 1986

– The first champion will be crowned in a Casino Gauntlet match at AEW Full Gear

Tony Khan is once again reshaping AEW’s championship landscape with the introduction of the AEW National Championship. The announcement was made live on Twitter/X alongside veteran commentator Tony Schiavone. It marks a major expansion of AEW’s title scene heading into Full Gear.

The new championship pays homage to the historic National Championship, which was once featured on TBS before it merged with the United States Championship in 1986. For the first time in nearly four decades, a National Champion will be crowned. This signals AEW’s continued commitment to blending modern wrestling with historical tradition.

Khan confirmed that the inaugural AEW National Champion will be decided in a Casino Gauntlet match at AEW Full Gear. In a major twist, the title will also be defended outside AEW, across Ring of Honor and NJPW STRONG, positioning it as a cross-promotional prize that connects AEW’s expanding partnerships.

This announcement comes as AEW builds toward multiple championship milestones, including the ongoing tournament to crown the first AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions. The addition of the National Championship adds another high-stakes element to an already stacked pay-per-view lineup.

Tony Schiavone is set to appear on tonight’s AEW Dynamite to provide more insight into the title’s lineage and possible contenders heading into Full Gear. This will give fans a closer look at how this historic revival fits into AEW’s growing legacy.