Tony Khan announces that he is bringing back the “National” title in AEW

Schiavone: “In 1985, we merged. Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling and Georgia Championship Wrestling merged. There was a U.S. Championship, and there was a National Championship. These two championships were put together—one match at the Omni back in 1986—and it became the U.S. Championship. We haven’t had a National Champion in almost 40 years, Tony.”

Khan: “Wow. Over 39 years since there was a National Champion here on TBS. I think it’s a great tradition. Also, there are promoters all over the country looking to book the top AEW stars, and there are wrestlers all over AEW chasing gold. It’s a tradition that goes back, and it’s something I have always wanted to have here in AEW. It’s something for years that I’ve wanted to bring back here to TBS.

Since we have the chance to do these kinds of things—to create these kinds of memories, to create these kinds of lasting legacies in pro wrestling—I’ve wanted to bring the National Title back for a long time, and we’re going to be bringing the National Title back. You’re going to be talking more about it on TBS minutes from now, but I can tell you there’s going to be, at AEW Full Gear, a Casino Gauntlet match to determine who will go out on TBS, who will be the first National Champion on the Superstation since 1986.

It’s going to be a very prestigious opportunity to be the National Champion. I’ve spoken to other promoters. I know my friends at New Japan Strong are anxious to bring an AEW National Champion to defend the title in New Japan. I know in Ring of Honor, we would love to see the AEW National Champion make appearances. And of course, here on Dynamite and on Collision, a National Champion could be a great thing. It’s going to be great bringing the National Title back to the Superstation after all these years.”