What's Happening?
Swerve Strickland, current AEW World Trios Champion alongside Kofi and Austin Creed, has publicly called for the removal of The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) from the side plates of the AEW World Trios Championship belts. During an interview with
Don Chenz, Strickland stated that the current design, which features The Young Bucks performing a superkick, is outdated and no longer representative of the championship's history. He argued that numerous teams have held the titles since The Young Bucks' initial reign, and the plates should reflect either the current champions or a more generic trios team. Strickland also pointed out that The Young Bucks are a duo, not a trio, making their sole representation on a Trios Championship illogical. Despite this criticism, The Young Bucks remain prominent in AEW, with a scheduled challenge for the AEW World Tag Team Championship at All Out on September 26.
Why It's Important?
This call for a design change highlights a broader discussion within professional wrestling regarding championship aesthetics and historical representation. For AEW, maintaining the relevance and prestige of its titles is crucial for fan engagement and storyline integrity. If AEW were to implement such a change, it could set a precedent for how championship belts evolve with new titleholders, potentially leading to more dynamic and personalized designs. This could also influence how other wrestling promotions approach championship belt design, emphasizing the current champions rather than inaugural ones. For fans, it touches on the desire for accuracy and recognition of all champions, not just the first. The debate also underscores the ongoing narrative within AEW, where current champions like Strickland are asserting their presence and influence, even on the physical representation of their achievements.
What's Next?
It remains to be seen whether All Elite Wrestling will respond to Swerve Strickland's suggestion regarding the AEW World Trios Championship belt design. While Strickland has voiced his opinion, there has been no official statement from AEW management. The Young Bucks are currently focused on their upcoming AEW World Tag Team Championship match at All Out on September 26, where they will challenge Adam Copeland and Christian Cage in a three-way ladder match that also includes FTR. Strickland himself will be defending the AEW World Trios Championship at All Out. The outcome of these matches could further influence the narrative surrounding the championship belts and the prominence of the involved teams. A change in the belt design would likely require a significant decision from AEW's creative and production teams.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate discussion of belt aesthetics, Strickland's comments touch upon the symbolic power of championship designs in professional wrestling. Championship belts are not merely props; they are tangible representations of achievement, legacy, and the narrative of a promotion. Featuring specific wrestlers on a championship that has been held by multiple teams can inadvertently diminish the accomplishments of subsequent champions. This situation also subtly highlights the ongoing internal dynamics and rivalries within AEW, where wrestlers often use interviews and public statements to assert their status and influence. The debate over the Trios Title plates could be seen as a microcosm of the larger struggle for recognition and historical placement within the company, reflecting the competitive nature of professional wrestling both in and out of the ring.
