Just the FAQs!

Cody Rhodes, Sammy Guevara, and Wardlow are tied for the most reigns at three each. Darby Allin holds the record for the longest single reign at 186 days, which he set during his first championship reign. Conversely, Adam Copeland holds the record for the shortest reign at just 3 minutes and 30 seconds. As of January 30, 2025, Daniel Garcia is the current champion, having won the title on November 23, 2024, at the Full Gear event.

The AEW TNT Championship has seen several significant events since its inception. Notably, in December 2020, the red strap version of the title had to be retired in honor of its second champion, Mr. Brodie Lee, following his untimely death. This belt was given to his son, Brodie Lee Jr., and he was honored as TNT Champion for life. Subsequently, a new version of the title belt was unveiled on January 6, 2021, during an episode of AEW Dynamite by Darby Allin, who was the champion at that time.

The AEW TNT Championship was established on March 30, 2020. The inaugural champion was Cody Rhodes, who won the title by defeating Lance Archer at the Double or Nothing event on May 23, 2020. The match was notable as it was presented by former boxer Mike Tyson.

The current AEW TNT Champion is Daniel Garcia, who won the title by defeating Jack Perry on November 23, 2024, during the Full Gear pay-per-view event. Garcia, recognized for his dynamic wrestling style, is known as a promising talent within the AEW roster, having previously held several titles in the independent circuit before capturing the TNT Championship.

The AEW TNT Championship has undergone several design changes since its creation. Initially, a red leather strap was used, which featured the TNT network logo prominently. After the retirement of that version, a new black strap version was introduced on January 6, 2021. Furthermore, in September 2021, Sammy Guevara was presented with a custom 'TNT Bling' belt adorned with rhinestones that was designed by Ron Edwardsen. This version was used until January 2023 when the title returned to a mirror-finish design.

The original red strap version of the AEW TNT Championship belt was retired in honor of the late Brodie Lee, who held the title as its second champion. This decision, announced during the special 'Brodie Lee Celebration of Life' on December 30, 2020, reflected AEW's commitment to commemorating the impact Lee had on the promotion and the wrestling community. Following his unexpected passing on December 26, 2020, AEW President Tony Khan deemed it appropriate to pay tribute to Lee by officially recognizing him as 'TNT Champion for life' and presenting the retired belt design to his son, Brodie Lee Jr. This gesture served not only as a farewell to a beloved figure in wrestling but also signified the emotional bond within the wrestling community.

Daniel Garcia's victory for the AEW TNT Championship on November 23, 2024, marked the beginning of his first reign with the title, making him the youngest champion at just 26 years of age. Garcia defeated Jack Perry at the Full Gear event, showcasing his talent on a grand stage and elevating his profile within the wrestling community. This victory is particularly notable as it adds a younger star to AEW's roster of champions, reinforcing the promotion's focus on emerging talent and future prospects. As a rising star, Garcia's reign has the potential to attract more attention to the TNT Championship, identifying him as a key player in the ongoing narrative of AEW.

The perception of the AEW TNT Championship as a secondary title has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially, many fans viewed it as a mid-card championship, similar to titles in other promotions, but AEW President Tony Khan has emphasized that he does not book it that way. Khan stated that the TNT Championship is considered a top title that can elevate wrestlers rather than simply serving as a stepping stone to the AEW World Championship. Furthermore, the rapid title changes between 2022 and 2023, where some champions held the title for short periods, led to the nickname "hot potato championship" among fans and media. This change in titles often drew attention to how competitive and relevant it remained in storylines, prompting discussions about its true value within AEW's tier of titles.

Throughout its history, the AEW TNT Championship has seen several custom belt designs, each representing unique personal narratives of their respective champions. For instance, Miro unveiled a custom "Bulgarian belt" during his reign, reflecting his Bulgarian heritage with a design inspired by the colors of the Bulgarian flag and featuring elements such as the Coat of Arms from his hometown of Plovdiv. Additionally, Scorpio Sky was presented with a custom "Lakers belt" representing his favorite basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers, during his reign, further enhancing the personal connection between wrestlers and their titles. These custom designs bring a personalized touch to the championships, making them more than just titles; they become symbols of identity and legacy for the wrestlers who hold them.

The inaugural AEW TNT Championship tournament was a single-elimination format that featured eight wrestlers, beginning on April 8, 2020, during the AEW Dynamite show. The tournament was structured to create excitement around the new title, culminating in a highly anticipated final match at Double or Nothing on May 23, 2020. The promotion's strategy to highlight the championship through a tournament format not only helped establish the title's importance but also provided an immediate storyline for the participants, engaging fans and building interest. Cody Rhodes, one of the promotion's Executive Vice Presidents, ultimately won the tournament, becoming the first TNT Champion, which further amplified the title's prestige as part of AEW's identity.