AEW TNT Championship

{{short description|Men's professional wrestling championship}} {{Infobox pro wrestling championship |name = AEW TNT Championship |image = 200px 200px |image_size = |alt = |caption = '''Top:''' The standard TNT Championship belt (2021, 2023–present) '''Bottom:''' The "Bling Belt" used by reigning champion Kevin Knight (2026–present), which was previously used as the standard belt from 2021–2023. |promotion = All Elite Wrestling |currentholder = Kevin Knight |won = April 12, 2026 |aired =  |vacated =  |created = March 30, 2020 |firstchamp = Cody Rhodes{{efn|During his inaugural reign and through the majority of his second reign, his ring name was just Cody.}} |mostreigns = 3 reigns: *Cody Rhodes *Sammy Guevara *Wardlow |longestreign = Darby Allin (1st reign, 186 days) |shortestreign = Adam Copeland (1st reign, 3 minutes and 30 seconds)<ref name=AdamCopeland>{{cite web|title=Christian Cage Loses TNT Title To Adam Copeland, Immediately Wins It Back At AEW Worlds End|url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/christian-cage-loses-tnt-title-to-adam-copeland-immediately-wins-it-back-at-aew-worlds-end|website=Cultaholic|access-date=December 31, 2023}}</ref><ref name=Fite>{{cite web|title=AEW Worlds End 2023 - Official PPV Replay|url=https://www.fite.tv/watch/aew-worlds-end-2023/2pe1e/|url-access=subscription|website=Triller TV|date=31 December 2023 |access-date=December 31, 2023}}</ref> |oldest = Dustin Rhodes ({{age in years and days|April 11, 1969|July 12, 2025}}) |youngest = Daniel Garcia ({{age in years and days|September 17, 1998|November 23, 2024}}) |heaviest = Samoa Joe ({{convert|310|lb|kg|abbr=on}}) |lightest = Jack Perry ({{convert|167|lb|kg|abbr=on}}) }}

The '''AEW TNT Championship''' is a men's professional wrestling television championship created and promoted by the American promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Established on March 30, 2020, it is named after the TNT television network, which airs AEW's weekly program ''Collision'' and other television specials. The inaugural champion was Cody Rhodes. The current champion is Kevin Knight, who is in his first reign. He won the vacant title by pinning Daniel Garcia in a 10-man Casino Gauntlet match at Dynasty on April 12, 2026; previous champion Kyle Fletcher relinquished the title due to injury.

==History== [[File:Cody Rhodes November 2018.jpg|upright|thumb|170px|Inaugural and record-setting three-time champion Cody Rhodes; this record is currently tied between Rhodes, Sammy Guevara, and Wardlow]] In September 2019, a month before All Elite Wrestling (AEW) launched their first weekly television program, ''Dynamite'', then-AEW Executive Vice President and wrestler Cody teased that the promotion would eventually debut a television championship, but their focus at that time was on their other recently established titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/09/07/aew-on-tnt-cody-rhodes-wants-quality-over-quantity-ign-first|title=AEW on TNT: Cody Rhodes Wants Quality Over Quantity - IGN First|date=September 7, 2019|last=Fowler|first=Matt|work=IGN|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref> In February 2020, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer asked Cody about the possibility of the promotion adding a secondary championship. Although he did not confirm or deny it, Cody did not rule out the possibility of a secondary or "mid-card" title debuting that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-shares-tony-khan-s-idea-show-focused-younger-talent-says-secondary-title-being-discussed|title=Cody Rhodes Says AEW Secondary Title Is Being Discussed|date=February 11, 2020|last=Guzzo|first=Gisberto|work=Fightful|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref> The following month, on March 30, on AEW's YouTube series ''Road to Dynamite'', a secondary championship was officially announced. AEW play-by-play commentator and senior producer Tony Schiavone revealed that there would be an eight-man, single-elimination tournament to crown the first-ever AEW TNT Champion.<ref name="f4w">{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-introducing-tnt-championship-tournament-begin-april-8-307711|title=AEW INTRODUCING TNT CHAMPIONSHIP, TOURNAMENT TO BEGIN ON APRIL 8|date=March 30, 2020|last=Currier|first=Joseph|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref> The tournament began on the April 8 episode of ''Dynamite, and'' the final was scheduled for Double or Nothing on May 23.<ref name="PWDN"/> On the April 29 episode, Cody and Lance Archer won their semifinal matches, setting up the inaugural championship match.<ref name="Dynamite04292020"/>

At Double or Nothing, Cody defeated Archer to become the inaugural champion. Former professional boxer Mike Tyson presented the championship to Cody.<ref name="DoN2020"/> His first reign with the title included an 'open challenge' where he would defend the title on a near-weekly televised basis, even to independent wrestlers outside the promotion. These performances notably led to the signings of Ricky Starks and Eddie Kingston. In November, during Cody's second reign as TNT Champion, his ring name was lengthened to Cody Rhodes following a legal battle with WWE over the trademark for the name.<ref name="Rhodes">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/05/aew-executive-cody-comments-on-regaining-the-cody-rhodes-name-from-wwe/|title=AEW executive Cody comments on regaining the Cody Rhodes name from WWE|date=November 5, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wresting Dot Net|access-date=November 9, 2020}}</ref>

During the Brodie Lee Celebration of Life, which aired as the December 30, 2020 episode of ''Dynamite'', AEW announced that they had retired the red strap version of the title belt that had been used up to that point to honor Huber, whose ring name was Mr. Brodie Lee, the second TNT Champion. Lee unexpectedly died on December 26. His final match was on the October 7 episode of ''Dynamite'' where he unsuccessfully defended the TNT Championship against Cody Rhodes in a Dog Collar match. The retired TNT Championship belt was given to Huber's son, Brodie Lee Jr. (real name Brodie Huber), who was honored as "TNT Champion for life" by AEW President and Chief Executive Officer Tony Khan. AEW commentator Tony Schiavone clarified that only the belt design was retired, not the championship itself;<ref name="TNTbeltretired">{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-tnt-title-belt-retired-new-design/|title=AEW Retires Current TNT Title Belt Design In Honor Of Brodie Lee, New Belt In Development|date=December 30, 2020|last=Droste|first=Ryan|work=ComicBook.com|access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/brodie-lee-jr-crowned-aew-tnt-champion-life-honor-brodie-lee|title=Brodie Lee Jr Crowned As AEW TNT Champion For Life In Honor Of Brodie Lee, Brodie Jr's Belt Retired|work=Fightful|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date=December 30, 2020|access-date=December 30, 2020}}</ref> a new black strap version of the belt was debuted by champion Darby Allin during Night 1 of the special New Year's Smash episode of ''Dynamite'' on January 6, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/join-411s-live-aew-dynamite-new-years-smash-night-one-coverage/|title=Join 411's Live AEW Dynamite New Year's Smash (Night One) Coverage|work=411Mania|first=Tony|last=Acero|date=January 6, 2021|access-date=January 6, 2021}}</ref>

During the special Holiday Bash episode of ''Rampage'' on December 25, 2021, Cody Rhodes defeated Sammy Guevara to become a record three-time TNT Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/25/12-25-aew-rampage-results-mcguires-live-review-of-sammy-guevara-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-tnt-championship-hook-vs-bear-bronson-leyla-hirsch-vs-kris-statlander-and-jungle-boy-vs-isiah-kass/|title=12/25 AEW Rampage results: McGuire's live review of Sammy Guevara vs. Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship, Hook vs. Bear Bronson, Leyla Hirsch vs. Kris Statlander, and Jungle Boy vs. Isiah Kassidy|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Colin|last=McGuire|date=December 25, 2021|access-date=December 25, 2021}}</ref> The two were scheduled to have a rematch for the championship at Battle of the Belts I on January 8, 2022;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/tnt-title-match-added-aew-battle-belts-364416|title=TNT TITLE MATCH ADDED TO AEW BATTLE OF THE BELTS|date=January 3, 2022|last=Rose|first=Bryan|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=January 3, 2022}}</ref> however, Cody was pulled from the event as he had been in contact with family who had tested positive for COVID-19, thus requiring him to quarantine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/cody-rhodes-brandi-isolating-family-covid-19/|title=Cody Rhodes Says He And Brandi Are Isolating With Family Who Have COVID-19|date=January 8, 2022|last=Holder|first=James|work=Inside the Ropes|access-date=January 8, 2022}}</ref> Guevara instead faced Cody's brother, Dustin Rhodes, to determine an interim champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-aew-battle-belts-interim-tnt-title-match-set-show|title=Cody Rhodes Off AEW Battle Of The Belts, Interim TNT Title Match Set For The Show|date=January 7, 2022|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=January 8, 2022}}</ref> Guevara defeated Dustin<ref name="BattleBelts">{{cite web|last=McGuire|first=Colin|title=1/8 AEW Battle of the Belts results: McGuire's review of Britt Baker vs. Riho for the AEW Women's Championship, Dustin Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara for the Interim TNT Championship, Ricky Starks vs. Matt Sydal for the FTW Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/08/1-8-aew-battle-of-the-belt-results-mcguires-review-of-britt-baker-vs-riho-for-the-aew-womens-championship-dustin-rhodes-vs-sammy-guevara-for-the-interim-tnt-championship-ricky-stark/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 8, 2022|access-date=January 8, 2022}}</ref> and served as the interim champion until the January 26 episode of ''Dynamite''. In that episode, which was a special episode titled Beach Break, Guevara faced and defeated Cody in a ladder match to determine the undisputed TNT Champion.<ref name="Dynamite01262022">{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=1/26 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of the Beach Break themed episode with Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara in a ladder match for the TNT Title, Adam Cole vs. Orange Cassidy in a Lights Out match, Chris Jericho, Santana, and Ortiz vs. Daniel Garcia and 2point0, Red Velvet vs. Leyla Hirsch|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/26/1-26-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-the-beach-break-themed-episode-with-cody-rhodes-vs-sammy-guevara-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-tnt-title-adam-cole-vs-orange-cassidy-in-a-lights-out/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 26, 2022|access-date=January 27, 2022}}</ref>

On March 5, 2023, at Revolution, Wardlow defeated Samoa Joe to win the championship for a second time. Three days later, and initially not as part of a storyline, Wardlow's rental car was broken into; his gear and the championship belt were stolen as a result.<ref>{{cite web|first=Colin|last=Tessier|title=Wardlow Reveals His Rental Car Was Broken Into, His Gear And TNT Title Were Stolen|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wardlow-reveals-his-rental-car-was-broken-his-gear-and-tnt-title-were-stolen|work=Fightful|date=March 8, 2023|access-date=March 8, 2023}}</ref> This was turned into a storyline for his title defense against Powerhouse Hobbs on the March 8 episode of ''Dynamite'', as the week prior, Hobbs had won the Face of the Revolution ladder match to earn a title shot against Wardlow. Q.T. Marshall and his QTV crew took credit for the crime with Wardlow requesting his title defense against Hobbs to be a Falls Count Anywhere match, which Hobbs won by technical knockout thanks to an assist by Marshall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/3/8/23631558/aew-dynamite-results-mar-8-2023-wardlow-hobbs-tnt-title-qtv-identity-reveal-qt-marshall-new-champion|title=Powerhouse Hobbs is the new TNT champion thanks to the reveal of QTV|date=March 8, 2023|last=Knight|first=Cain A.|work=Cageside Seats|access-date=April 21, 2023}}</ref>

Although viewed as a secondary title to the AEW World Championship by fans and media of the professional wrestling industry, Tony Khan stated he takes exception to calling it a secondary or mid-card title. He said he does not book the championship as a mid-card title, saying, "I'm looking at it as a top championship that stars hold".<ref>{{cite web|last=Pritchard|first=Bill|title=Tony Khan: The TNT Championship Is Not A 'Mid-Card' Title, I Will Never Book It Like That|url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1252600-tony-khan-the-tnt-championship-is-not-a-mid-card-title-i-will-never-book-it-like-that|website=Wrestle Zone|access-date=April 20, 2022|date=September 2, 2021}}</ref> Despite this, Samoa Joe called himself the "King of Television" for his TNT Championship reigns when he simultaneously held it with the ROH World Television Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/bully-ray-on-the-tnt-championship-changing-hands-frequently|title=Bully Ray On The TNT Championship Changing Hands Frequently|date=February 4, 2023|last=Sachdev|first=Tathya|work=eWrestlingNews|access-date=April 21, 2023}}</ref> Between 2022 and 2023, the championship had several title changes with short reigns, with journalists subsequently calling it a "hot potato" championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/169004/the-sale-of-wwe-the-hot-potato-title-booker-of-the-year-and-more.html?p=1|title=THE SALE OF WWE, THE HOT POTATO TITLE, BOOKER OF THE YEAR AND MORE|date=March 14, 2023|last=Scherer|first=Dave|work=PWInsider|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/09/powells-aew-dynamite-hit-list-wardlow-vs-powerhouse-hobbs-for-the-tnt-title-orange-cassidy-vs-jay-lethal-for-the-aew-all-atlantic-title-chris-jericho-daniel-garcia-and-sammy-guevara-vs/|title=Powell's AEW Dynamite Hit List: Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hobbs for the TNT Title, Orange Cassidy vs. Jay Lethal for the AEW All-Atlantic Title, Chris Jericho, Daniel Garcia, and Sammy Guevara vs. AR Fox and Top Flight, Ruby Soho vs. Skye Blue, Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli vs. John Silver and Alex Reynolds|date=March 9, 2023|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/03/10/aew-dynamite-hits-misses-3-9-jericho-with-a-convincing-heel-turn-adam-page-misses-with-dark-order-more/|title=AEW DYNAMITE HITS & MISSES 3/9: Jericho with a convincing heel turn|date=March 10, 2022|last=Young|first=Scott|work=PWTorch|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/170429/the-stupid-and-cowardly-way-that-aew-should-not-handle-the-elitepunk-situation-the-miz-the-hot-potato-title-and-more.html?p=1|title=THE STUPID AND COWARDLY WAY THAT AEW SHOULD NOT HANDLE THE ELITE-PUNK SITUATION, THE MIZ, THE HOT POTATO TITLE AND MORE|date=April 25, 2023|last=Scherer|first=Dave|work=PWInsider|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref>

===Name=== The championship is named after the TNT television network, which originally aired AEW's then-two weekly programs, ''Dynamite'' and ''Rampage'', the latter of which premiered in August 2021. TNT's parent company at the time, WarnerMedia, requested AEW to create the title and have it named the TNT Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cody Rhodes AEW Double Or Nothing 2021 Pre-Show Media Call|url=https://www.fightful.com/podcasts/wrestling/shoot-interviews/1-pm-est-cody-rhodes-aew-double-or-nothing-2021-pre-show-media-call |author=Shoot Interviews |website=Fightful|access-date=June 1, 2021|date=May 27, 2021}}</ref>

In January 2022, ''Dynamite'' moved to TNT's sister channel, TBS, which was also owned by WarnerMedia (later becoming Warner Bros. Discovery), while ''Rampage'' remained on TNT.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-dynamite-moving-tbs-january-5-rampage-staying-tnt-354311|title=AEW DYNAMITE MOVING TO TBS ON JANUARY 5, RAMPAGE STAYING ON TNT|date=September 23, 2021|last=Nason|first=Josh|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/aew-dynamite-tbs-premiere-date-rampage-tnt-1235072280/|title='AEW: Dynamite' Sets January Date for TBS Move, 'Rampage' to Remain on TNT|work=Variety|first=Joe|last=Otterson|date=September 23, 2021|access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> In addition to ''Rampage'' remaining on the channel, AEW agreed to produce quarterly television specials on TNT (''Battle of the Belts''), with the championship defended on these specials.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lambert |first1=Jeremy |title=Report: AEW TNT Championship Won't Undergo Name Change Despite Move To TBS |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-aew-tnt-championship-won-t-undergo-name-change-despite-move-tbs |website=Fightful |access-date=May 24, 2021 |date=May 20, 2021}}</ref> Another weekly program on TNT called ''Collision'' also premiered in June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 17, 2023 |title=AEW announces new weekly show Collision |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a43919216/aew-collision-tnt-cm-punk/ |access-date=May 20, 2023 |work=Digital Spy |last=Chase |first=Stephanie |language=en-GB}}</ref> While it had been speculated that the title would be renamed to the TBS Championship, Cody Rhodes confirmed that it would not be renamed,<ref>{{cite web|last=Nason|first=Josh|title=CODY RHODES AEW MEDIA CALL AUDIO: IN-FIGHTING RUMORS, NEW TITLES, MORE|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/cody-rhodes-aew-media-call-audio-fighting-rumors-new-titles-more-342501|website=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=June 1, 2021|date=May 27, 2021}}</ref> and instead, a separate AEW TBS Championship was established for the women's division.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=All Elite Wrestling|user=AEWonTNT|number=1445917395189600256|title=Two years of #AEWDynamite and one more belt to add to @AEW: The TBS Championship|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021}}</ref>

===Inaugural tournament=== The first half of the TNT Championship Tournament bracket was announced on the March 31, 2020, episode of ''Dark'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-reveals-first-half-tnt-championship-tournament-bracket-307821|title=AEW REVEALS FIRST HALF OF TNT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT BRACKET|date=March 31, 2020|last=Currier|first=Joseph|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=April 1, 2020}}</ref> with the second half revealed on the following night's ''Dynamite''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-reveals-full-bracket-tnt-championship-tournament-307916|title=AEW REVEALS FULL BRACKET FOR TNT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT|date=April 1, 2020|last=Nason|first=Josh|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=April 2, 2020}}</ref> The tournament began on the April 8 episode of ''Dynamite'' and concluded at Double or Nothing on May 23.<ref name="PWDN">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/30/aew-introducing-the-tnt-championship-belt-winner-to-be-crowned-in-a-tournament/|title=AEW introducing the TNT Championship belt, winner to be crowned in a tournament|date=March 30, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref>

{{8TeamBracket-NoSeeds | RD1=Quarterfinals ''Dynamite'' {{small|(April 8, 15, 22, 2020)}} | RD2=Semifinals ''Dynamite'' {{small|(April 29, 2020)}} | RD3=Final Double or Nothing {{small|(May 23, 2020)}}

| RD1-team1='''Cody''' | RD1-score1=Pin | RD1-team2=Shawn Spears | RD1-score2=21:38<ref name="Dynamite04082020">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/08/4-8-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-shawn-spears-in-a-tnt-title-tournament-quarterfinal-match-hikaru-shida-vs-britt-baker-lance-archer-and-brodie-lee-in-action/|title=4/8 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Cody vs. Shawn Spears in a TNT Title tournament quarterfinal match, Hikaru Shida vs. Britt Baker, Lance Archer and Brodie Lee in action|date=April 8, 2020|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 9, 2020}}</ref>

| RD1-team3=Sammy Guevara | RD1-score3=10:50<ref name="Dynamite04222020">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/22/4-22-aew-dynamite-tv-results-powells-live-review-of-darby-allin-vs-sammy-guevara-and-dustin-rhodes-vs-kip-sabian-in-tnt-title-tournament-matches-orange-cassidy-vs-jimmy-havoc-kenny-omega-and-w/|title=4/22 AEW Dynamite TV results: Powell's live review of Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara and Dustin Rhodes vs. Kip Sabian in TNT Title tournament matches, Orange Cassidy vs. Jimmy Havoc, Kenny Omega and Wardlow in action|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref> | RD1-team4='''Darby Allin''' | RD1-score4=Pin

| RD1-team5='''Dustin Rhodes''' | RD1-score5=Pin | RD1-team6=Kip Sabian | RD1-score6=14:10<ref name="Dynamite04222020"/>

| RD1-team7=Colt Cabana | RD1-score7=12:42<ref name="Dynamite04152020">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/15/4-15-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-jake-hager-in-a-no-holds-barred-empty-arena-match-for-the-aew-title-colt-cabana-vs-lance-archer-in-a-tnt-title-tournament-quart/|title=4/15 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Jake Hager in a No Holds Barred empty arena match for the AEW Title, Colt Cabana vs. Lance Archer in a TNT Title tournament quarterfinal match, Chuck Taylor vs. Kip Sabian, Sammy Guevara vs. Sugar D|date=April 15, 2020|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> | RD1-team8='''Lance Archer''' | RD1-score8=Pin

| RD2-team1='''Cody''' | RD2-score1=Pin | RD2-team2=Darby Allin | RD2-score2=20:10<ref name="Dynamite04292020">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/29/4-29-aew-dynamite-tv-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-darby-allin-and-dustin-rhodes-vs-lance-archer-in-tnt-title-tournament-semifinal-matches-best-friends-vs-jimmy-havoc-and-kip-sabian-b/|title=4/29 AEW Dynamite TV results: Powell's live review of Cody vs. Darby Allin and Dustin Rhodes vs. Lance Archer in TNT Title tournament semifinal matches, Best Friends vs. Jimmy Havoc and Kip Sabian, Brodie Lee vs. Marko Stunt, AEW Champ Jon Moxley's promo|date=April 29, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref>

| RD2-team3=Dustin Rhodes | RD2-score3=22:45<ref name="Dynamite04292020"/> | RD2-team4='''Lance Archer''' | RD2-score4= Pin

| RD3-team1= '''Cody''' | RD3-score1= Pin | RD3-team2= Lance Archer | RD3-score2= 22:00<ref name="DoN2020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of Cody vs. Lance Archer to become the first TNT Champion (Mike Tyson presents the belt), Jon Moxley vs. Brodie Lee for the AEW Championship, The Elite vs. The Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/23/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-lance-archer-to-become-the-first-tnt-champion-mike-tyson-presents-the-belt-jon-moxley-vs-brodie-lee-for-the-aew-championship-the-e/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 23, 2020|access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref> }}

==Belt designs== [[File:AEW TNT Championship new belt.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The original red strap version of the TNT Championship belt; in honor of the late Mr. Brodie Lee (Jon Huber), the championship's second title holder, this red strap version of the title belt was retired on December 30, 2020, and given to Lee's son Brodie Lee Jr. (Brodie Huber), who was named honorary "TNT Champion for life"]] The TNT Championship belt consists of six plates, which were originally on a red leather strap. The central plate prominently features the TNT network logo, with AEW's logo above and a red banner below saying "CHAMPION". The two inner side plates feature "Tara on Techwood", 1050 Techwood Drive in Atlanta, the original home of TNT. The two outer side plates feature AEW's logo, while a third smaller side plate on the far right also features the promotion's logo. Initially unveiled at Double or Nothing on May 23, the belt had no plating due to production delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was revealed that the final version would have gold plating and be unveiled at a later date.<ref name="DoN2020" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Ashish |date=May 24, 2020 |title=Cody Rhodes Praises Lance Archer, Reveals Meaning Behind House on TNT Title Belt, Calls Mike Tyson Moment Surreal |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-lance-archer-tnt-title-belt |access-date=May 24, 2020 |work=411Mania}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Droste |first=Ryan |date=May 23, 2020 |title=First Look: AEW Unveils TNT Championship Belt |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-reveals-tnt-championship-belt-double-or-nothing/ |access-date=May 26, 2020 |work=ComicBook.com}}</ref> The belt was produced by AEW's then-primary belt maker, Ron Edwardsen of Red Leather. He mentioned that the final version of the TNT Championship would have both gold and nickel plating, as well as a relief TNT logo.<ref>{{cite web |last=Heel |first=N. |date=May 23, 2020 |title=BACKSTAGE NEWS ON AEW TNT CHAMPIONSHIP NOT BEING FINISHED |url=https://heelbynature.com/all-elite-wrestling/backstage-news-on-aew-tnt-championship-not-being-finished/ |access-date=May 26, 2020 |work=Heel By Nature}}</ref> The completed version of the belt was shown on AEW's Twitter just a few hours before the August 12 episode of ''Dynamite'', where the finished design debuted for Cody's match against Scorpio Sky, where Cody retained.<ref name="FinalBelt08122020">{{Cite tweet |number=1288220884155670530 |user=CodyRhodes |title=August 12th (saw a nice video of the plates, very elegant) |author=Cody |date=July 28, 2020 |access-date=July 29, 2020}}</ref><ref name="FinalBelt08132020">{{Cite tweet |number=1293664808957435904 |user=AEWrestling |title=#TNTChamp @CodyRhodes just a few hours away from his title defense against @ScorpioSky, and he gets a surprise from @RefTurnerAEW |author=All Elite Wrestling |date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020}}</ref>

After the unexpected passing of Mr. Brodie Lee, the championship's second title holder, in December 2020, AEW retired the red strap version of the championship belt that had been used up to that point to honor Lee, similar to how sports teams retire a number.<ref name="TNTbeltretired"/> During night one of the special New Year's Smash episode of ''Dynamite'' on January 6, 2021, a new belt was unveiled by Darby Allin. The new belt features the same design as the previous one, but on a black leather strap instead of red.<ref>{{cite web|last=Casey|first=Connor|title=AEW Debuts New Version of the TNT Championship|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-tnt-championship-new-version-photo-darby-allin-brian-cage-black-belt/|website=ComicBook.com|date=January 6, 2021|access-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

After Sammy Guevara defeated Miro to win the title on the September 29, 2021, episode of ''Dynamite'', Guevara was presented with an updated design of the standard championship belt to replace Miro's custom belt. This new belt returned to the design of the standard black strap version introduced by Darby Allin, but with rhinestones added in the circular area behind the relief TNT logo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2021/9/30/22701753/aew-dynamite-video-sept-29-2021-highlights-sammy-guevara-brodie-lee|title=Sammy Guevara already got his own TNT title belt|date=September 30, 2021|last=Rueter|first=Sean|work=Cageside Seats|access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> The original designer of the TNT Championship, Ron Edwardsen, also created the updated belt, which featured 1,577 rhinestones. Edwardsen nicknamed it the "TNT Bling" belt.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8iDXzzRP_U|title=AEW TNT Bling belt 1577 stones|date=September 30, 2021|last=Edward|first=Ron|publisher=YouTube|access-date=October 9, 2021}}</ref> Although initially a custom version for Guevara, other champions held this version until January 2023. After Allin defeated Samoa Joe to win his second TNT Championship, the title's design changed back to the mirror-finish nickel plating behind the TNT logo.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Washington, Will|user=WillWashington|number=1611570886603116544|title=Darby has the old version of the TNT title back that he introduced at the start of 2021 after Brodie's passing. The main difference is the TNT logo having a mirror finish, rather than the diamond studding.|date=January 6, 2023|access-date=October 13, 2023}}</ref> After Kevin Knight won the title at Dynasty on April 12, 2026, he reintroduced the "Bling" belt on April 15.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Khan, Tony|user=TonyKhan|number=2044543436301471958|title=Video|date=April 15, 2026|access-date=April 16, 2026}}</ref>

===Custom designs=== {{multiple image | align = center | direction = horizontal | width = | total_width = 500 | image1 = WMC AEWMIRO-CHAMP.jpg | image2 = | image3 = | image4 = Jack Perry as AEW TNT Champion (cropped2).jpg | caption1 = Miro with his custom "Bulgarian belt" that he used from July to September 2021 | caption2 = | caption3 = Scorpio Sky with his custom "Lakers belt" that he used during his second reign from May to July 2022 | caption_align = center | footer = | footer_align = centre | alt1 = | caption4 = Jack Perry with his custom "Scapegoat belt", which he used from August to November 2024 | caption5 = Mark Briscoe's custom "snow camo" TNT Championship belt, used from November 2025 to January 2026 | image5 = TNT Camo belt.jpg | image6 = Pink TNT Title.png | caption6 = Kyle Fletcher's custom "pink" TNT Championship belt, used from February to April 2026 }}

At Fyter Fest on July 14, 2021, Miro unveiled a custom championship belt in the colors of the Bulgarian flag, along with his new persona, "The Redeemer". The plates were on a white leather strap, and the center plate was the same; however, the red banner was changed to green. The two inner side plates were modified to display the Coat of Arms of his hometown, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Below the arms, the text "Древен и Вечен" (Bulgarian: ''Dreven i Vechen''), which means "Ancient and Eternal", was added. Miro's custom belt was made by Belts By Dan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=Details On Miro's New AEW TNT Championship, How It Represents Bulgarian History|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/details-miro-s-new-aew-tnt-championship-how-it-represents-bulgarian-history|website=Fightful|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=July 15, 2021}}</ref>

During the May 20, 2022, episode of ''Rampage'', Sammy Guevara, Tay Conti, and Frankie Kazarian destroyed the standard belt they stole from reigning champion Scorpio Sky. The following week, on the May 27 episode, Dan Lambert and Ethan Page presented Sky with a custom version of the championship belt in the colors of Sky's hometown and favorite National Basketball Association team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The "Lakers belt" had a gold strap and the word "Champion" on a purple banner. Emblazoned on the end of the strap between the snap buttons was "8-24", referring to the numbers worn by late Lakers star Kobe Bryant. The title's original designer, Ron Edwardsen, also designed the "Lakers belt".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-rampage-results-52722-ruby-soho-faces-kris-statlander-owen-hart-cup-semifinals-more|title=AEW Rampage Results (5/27/22): Ruby Soho Faces Kris Statlander In Owen Hart Cup Semifinals + More!|first=Colby|last=Faria|work=Fightful|date=May 27, 2022|access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref>

Following reigning champion Jack Perry's match on the August 17, 2024, episode of ''Collision'' in the build to his defense against Darby Allin in a Coffin match at All In on August 25, Perry put his opponent Danny Orion in a body bag with Allin's name on it, along with the standard TNT Championship belt, which he spat on. Perry then unveiled his custom championship belt to accompany his "Scapegoat" persona, featuring the same design but completely spray-painted black with red paint splattered on the main plate (mimicking blood) and a warped and tattered leather strap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/jack-perry-new-tnt-championship-aew-collision/|title=Jack Perry Reveals New TNT Championship on AEW Collision|date=August 17, 2024|last=Lee|first=Joseph|work=411Mania|access-date=August 18, 2024}}</ref> Perry himself changed the championship via blacksmithing, altering the metal, warping the leather strap, and then painting it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/jack-perry-reveals-how-he-redesigned-aew-tnt-title-belt/|title=Jack Perry reveals how he redesigned AEW TNT title belt|date=August 20, 2024|last=Carey|first=Ian|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=August 20, 2024}}</ref>

After winning the title at Full Gear on November 22, 2025, Mark Briscoe was presented a custom belt by Orange Cassidy on behalf of their Conglomeration stable, which featured the same design as the standard belt, but with a snow camo strap, as snow camo ring gear is a trademark of both Mark and his late brother Jay. The red banner was also changed to white. This belt was made by Belts By Dan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mark-briscoe-gets-custom-aew-tnt-championship/|title=Mark Briscoe Gets Custom AEW TNT Championship|date=November 23, 2025|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=November 24, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|author=Belts By Dan|user=BeltsByDan|number=1992595232018633108|title=Snow Camo|date=November 23, 2025|access-date=November 24, 2025}}</ref>

Following his successful defense in his home country of Australia at Grand Slam Australia on February 14, 2026, Kyle Fletcher unveiled his own custom TNT Championship belt, which retained the standard design but with a pink strap, as that is the signature color of Fletcher's ring gear. The belt was made by Belts By Dan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kyle-fletcher-unveils-pink-aew-tnt-title-after-aew-grand-slam-australia/|title=Kyle Fletcher Unveils Pink AEW TNT Title After AEW Grand Slam Australia|date=February 14, 2026|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=February 15, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|author=Belts By Dan|user=BeltsByDan|number=2023043017683468562|title=Think pink!|date=February 15, 2026|access-date=February 15, 2026}}</ref>

==Reigns== {{main|List of AEW TNT Champions}} [[File:Kevin Knight at AEW Dynamite - August 27 2025 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Current champion Kevin Knight]] As of {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}, there have been 32 reigns between 20 champions and three vacancies. Cody Rhodes, then known simply as Cody, was the inaugural champion. Rhodes, Sammy Guevara, and Wardlow are tied for the most reigns at three. Darby Allin's first reign is the longest at 186 days, and he has the longest combined reign at 214 days, while Adam Copeland's first reign is the shortest at 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Daniel Garcia is the youngest champion at 26 years, 67 days old, while Dustin Rhodes is the oldest, winning the title at 56.

Kevin Knight is the current champion in his first reign. He won the vacant title by pinning Daniel Garcia in a 10-man Casino Gauntlet match at Dynasty on April 12, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; previous champion Kyle Fletcher relinquished the title due to injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/?p=133145|title=Kevin Knight captures TNT Championship in Casino Gauntlet match at AEW Dynasty|date=April 12, 2026|first=Jack|last=Wannan|work=POST Wrestling|access-date=April 12, 2026}}</ref>

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== * [https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-tnt-championship-history Official AEW TNT Championship Title History] *{{commonscatinline}} {{AEW TNT Championship}} {{All Elite Wrestling}} Category:All Elite Wrestling championships Category:Television wrestling championships Category:TNT (American TV network)