Every AEW World Champion So Far

Every AEW World Champion So Far

AEW has accomplished a lot since its inception in 2019 and establishing their World Championship as one of the top titles in the industry is one of them.

In the promotion’s short but impactful history, they are now recognised as the second-largest wrestling company in North America.

Now in its fifth year, the promotion has seen several top World Champions. Each champion ushered in a new chapter for the company.

A promotion’s champion is an incredibly vital component of its success. The champion is the face of the company.

Let’s take a look at every AEW World Champion so far.

No.ChampionDateEventLocationReignDaysNotes
1Chris JerichoAugust 31st, 2019All OutHoffman Estates, IL1182Defeated Hangman Adam Page to become the inaugural champion.
2Jon MoxleyFebruary 29th, 2020RevolutionChicago, IL1277
3Kenny OmegaDecember 2nd, 2020Dynamite: Winter Is ComingJacksonville, FL1346
4Hangman Adam PageNovember 13st, 2021Full GearMinneapolis, MN1197
5CM PunkMay 29th, 2022Double or NothingParadise, NV187
Jon MoxleyJune 26th, 2022AEW x NJPW: Forbidden DoorChicago, IL59Moxley defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in a tournament final to become the interim champion.
6Jon MoxleyAugust 24th, 2022DynamiteCleveland, OH211Defeated lineal championCM Punk to determine the undisputed champion. AEW officially recognizes this as the start of Moxley’s second reign.
7CM PunkSeptember 4th, 2022All OutHoffman Estates, IL23
VacatedSeptember 7th, 2022DynamiteBuffalo, NYCM Punk was stripped of the title and suspended by AEW president Tony Khan following the altercation after the All Out post-event media scrum.
8Jon MoxleySeptember 21th, 2022Dynamite: Grand SlamFlushing, NY359Defeated Bryan Danielson in a tournament final for the vacant title.
9MJFNovember 19th, 2022Full GearNewark, NJ1Current

Chris Jericho

  • Number of reigns: 1
  • Reign timeframe: 08.31.2019 – 02.29.2020
  • Reign days: 182
Chris Jericho Thumb

The former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho shocked the wrestling world when he appeared at the All Elite Wrestling Rally in January 2019.

During the conference, Jericho stated AEW “wasn’t just here to change the world. AEW wasn’t here to change the world. We are here to change the whole universe.”

His signing was a bombshell and a huge statement from AEW, which more than paid off. Jericho was easily the biggest and most recognisable star signed to the AEW roster at the time.

He brought mainstream appeal while carrying kudos with the independent fans due to his with Kenny Omega in NJPW.

Jericho became the inaugural AEW World Champion in his second match for the company defeating Hangman Adam Page at 2019’s All Out.

His run as champion is arguably his best in AEW so far because we all know that heel Jericho is the best Jericho.

His first title defence against Darby Allin in a Philadelphia Street Fight on the third edition of Dynamite was one of his best matches in AEW.

Allin is a fearless daredevil who can withstand unbelievable punishment. The style allowed the newly crowned Le Champion to use his villainy to the fullest in which Jericho thrives.

A great Inner Circle vs The Elite feud led to Cody challenging for the title at Full Gear. The stipulation of Rhodes never being able to fight for the AEW World Championship if he lost the match made for a gripping and dramatic encounter.

Jericho’s third and final successful title defence came against Scorpio Sky. The match saw Sky push the champ to his limit as the promotion strove to establish its younger talent.

However, Jericho’s title reign went way beyond his defences. The ideal first champion for the new promotion Jericho was instrumental in AEW’s early success and popularity.

His presence and name value brought eyes to the product. The fans that came to see Jericho stayed to see the new and exciting talent that AEW offered.

Jon Moxley

  • Number of reigns: 3
  • 1st Reign timeframe: 02.29.2020 – 12.02.2020
  • 1st Reign days: 277
  • 2nd Reign timeframe: 08.24.2022 – 09.04.2022
  • 2nd Reign days: 11
  • 3rd Reign timeframe: 09.21.2022 – 11.19.2022
  • 3rd Reign days: 59
Darby Allin Jon Moxley

Jon Moxley made his surprise debut at Double or Nothing in 2019 in an epic moment and another huge statement for the company.

Moxley was another big name in the company and he possessed an edge and hunger that connect instantly with the AEW faithful.

The former WWE man who, in the eyes of many, was an underutilized talent in the company and was now in a place that would allow his true essence to flourish.

From day one in AEW Moxley was on the warpath. He attacked Kenny Omega, which to their uber-violent Lights Out Match at Full Gear.

It was clear that Jon Moxley was unleashed, unchained and prepared to fulfil his potential. After tearing it up in NJPW and winning the IWGP United States Championship on his first match for the Japanese promotion, he set his eyes on the AEW World title.

Jericho and the Inner Circle paid close watch on Mox’s trajectory and attempted to halt it at every opportunity. A brutal attack from the champ’s spiked jacket. temporarily blinded the challenger and a patch-wearing Mox went on a rampage through the heel faction.

Mox and the Demo God finally met at Revolution and the promotion welcomed its second world champion with open arms.

Within weeks of winning the title, Moxley found himself a champion during a world pandemic. With the world on hold, wrestling was one of the only forms of entertainment that was able to continue.

During this time Moxley was the epitome of a true fighting champion. He fought an array of challengers such as Jake Hagar, Brian Cage, The Butcher and Brodie Lee.

His feud with MJF was a particular highlight of his run and resulted in a great match at All Out 2020 PPV.

However, his rivalry with Eddie Kingston produced some incredible promos and two brilliant fights between the two hardened veterans of the ring.

Moxley was a great second champion for AEW and made a lasting impact during his time with the title. He brought further name recognition and a violent legitimacy to the championship while defending it against all comers.

Moxley became the company’s first-ever two-time and then three-time World Champion in a chaotic series of events. He became the first two-time champ when CM Punk’s injury while champion resulted in the introduction of the Interim World Title. He then won the unification bout against Punk to become the Undisputed World Champion.

He then became a three-time champion when he defeated Bryan Danielson for the vacant World Title at Grand Slam 2022.

Kenny Omega

  • Number of reigns: 1
  • Reign timeframe: 12.20.2020 – 11.13.2021
  • Reign days: 346
Kenny Omega Titles

The Best Bout Machine’s title reign is the promotion’s longest and most controversial. Ever since the inception of AEW, fans wanted to see Kenny Omega wear the gold. However, when he finally got there it came at a cost.

Omega ventured on his solo run after the emotional breakup from his tag team with Hangman Page. Having lost the tag titles they both reached the finals of the AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament.

The two partners battled it out in a fantastic match at Full Gear cementing the end if of their friendship while hinting at the Cleaner version of Omega fans were clamouring for.

At the ‘Winter is Coming’ special edition Dynamite, Omega faced Moxley for the AEW World Championship. It was a special occasion, which brought a special guest in the form of Don Callis.

Callis, a longtime friend of Omega, joined the commentary table to commemorate his achievement. But his appearance proved to be much more than a supporting role as he helped Omega capture the title from Moxley and kick open the “forbidden door” in the process.

The two would explain their actions on IMPACT! Wrestling and the relationship worked in Omega’s favour as the Good Brothers instantly had his back.

The former Bullet Club crew reunited to form the Super Elite run roughshod through both promotions in a shocking move not seen in the industry for decades.

Back in AEW the champ still had a Jon Moxley problem and they would settle their differences in the promotion’s first-ever exploding barbed wire deathmatch.

Moxley and Omega are no strangers to taking things to an extreme level and this match promised to do just that. Despite delivering some great hardcore moments it will forever be remembered for its disastrous and anti-climatic ending.

Omega didn’t let the disappointment halt his progress and he added to his collection of belts winning the IMPACT! World Championship from Rich Swann at Rebellion.

The Belt Collector continued to prove his dominance in title defences against PAC and Orange Cassidy at Double or Nothing in the company’s first PPV in front of a full audience on over 18 months. Jungle Boy also pushed him to his limit in another cracking title match on Dynamite.

Omega’s title reign came to an end in perfect fashion when his former partner Hangmen Page returned to confront the champ and overcome his greatest challenge.

In the ring Omega was on fire, however, his title reign was often criticized due to his antics out of it. Despite his comedic and zany side taking over at times his title reign was a triumph especially taking into consideration the injuries he revealed he was working with.

A great champion who put on incredible matches, Omega’s reign was an important one. His star power elevated the title further while ushering in inter-promotional relationships with other companies, which raised the profile on AEW.

Hangman Adam Page

  • Number of reigns: 1
  • Reign timeframe: 11.13.2021 – 05.29.2022
  • Reign days: 197
Hangman Adam Page as the AEW World Champion

In 2019 during AEW’s press conference EVPs The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega outlined the aims and goals of the new company.

Hangman Adam Page was the first member of the newly formed roster to stake his claim to become the inaugural AEW World Champion and so began his arduous journey to the title.

Hangman’s undeniable appeal and charm made him a natural babyface and fan favourite. An original member of the Elite and future legend of the promotion he was the perfect choice for AEW’s first-ever champion. However, that was not to be.

The trials and tribulations of Hangman’s quest to become AEW World Champion is one of the best-told wrestling storylines in years.

He failed on his first attempt against Chris Jericho, which was followed by a loss to MJF for the Dynamite Diamond Ring. The tag title reign with Omega, which featured their breathtaking encounter with the Young Bucks at Revolution 2020, placed him in the shadow of the Best Bout Machine.

Although a huge hit with fans self-doubt crept in and Hangman distanced himself from the Elite and after a heartbreaking loss to Omega in the finals of the AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament he became a man with no friends and no island.

After months of soul-searching and usually with a drink in hand, the Anxious Millennial Cowboy found solace in the Dark Order, who helped rebuild his confidence but only after yet another loss to the Elite, which saw him leave the company for several months.

Hangman returned to a thunderous ovation when he won the Number One Contender Casino Ladder Match.

Page was a new man with a clear purpose. In the lead-up to his meeting with Omega, he was in excellent form.

At Full Gear 2021 Page finally conquered all and claimed his hard-earned and well-deserved spot at the top of the AEW mountain.

Page’s title reign saw him fend off two challenges from Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole before he come up against CM Punk in a feud which would have a massive and long-lasting effect on the company.

During the feud, Hangman cut a promo that was not Punk’s liking, which resulted in the two having legitimate bad feelings towards one another. Despite the animosity, they met in a title match at AEW Double Or Nothing 2022, which saw Punk emerge as the victor.

CM Punk

  • Number of reigns: 2
  • 1st Reign timeframe: 05.29.2022 – 08.24.2022
  • 1st Reign days: 87
  • 2nd Reign timeframe: 09.04.2022 – 09.07.2022
  • 2nd Reign days: 3
CM Punk AEW World Champion

In 2021 CM Punk arrived in AEW after 7-year hiatus from wrestling. His return shone a huge spotlight on the promotion and propelled him straight to the top of the roster.

He praised the promotion for bringing back professional wrestling before stating he was there to work with young and hungry talent such as Darby Allin, Powerhouse Hobbs and Daniel Garcia.

A brilliant but far too brief feud with Eddie Kingston led to an even better one with MJF. The two clashed in an epic and bloody Dog Collar match before he set his sights on the World Championship.

At Double or Nothing, CM Punk defeated Adam Hangman Page for AEW World Championship. In the lead-up to the match Page apparently went off script during a promo and referenced Punk’s broken relationship with Colt Cabana.

When Punk returned to AEW television after a 3-month hiatus due to injury, he returned the favour. In an unscripted promo Punk called Page out knowing full well, he wasn’t there to respond before calling him a coward.

Punk’s return set up a huge World Title Unification match on the August 24th episode of Dynamite against Jon Moxley, which the Chicago native promptly lost. A return bout was quickly arranged for All Out which saw Punk regain the title in his hometown by pinning Moxley.

However, it was what happened after the show that left everybody talking.

In an unprovoked tirade, despite being sat just feet from AEW President Tony Khan, Punk unleashed a volley of verbal offence against the media, AEW EVPs, Hangman Adam Page and just about everyone who he felt had wronged him in recent months. Especially taking issue with reports and comments regarding the situation around himself and his former friend Colt Cabana.

After Punk left the press conference a brawl ensued involving the World Champion, his long-time friend Ace Steel, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega. It has been reported that Punk was throwing punches, while Steel allegedly threw a chair before biting Kenny Omega.

The fallout from the chaos resulted in a mass of suspensions, and Punk was stripped of the World Championship. Following his return to the promotion after serving his suspension he has brought the title he never lost along with him and is declaring himself the “Real World Champion“.

MJF – Current AEW World Champion

  • Number of reigns: 1
  • Reign timeline 11.19.2022 – current

MJF To Defend AEW World Title At All InAEW’s resident scumbag MJF is one of the promotion’s greatest breakout stars. As soon as he debuted for the promotion his star power was prominent and over time his character, promos, and matches have established him as one of the best acts in the business.

Upon entering the company, he befriended Cody Rhodes before turning on him and acquiring the services of a new bodyguard, Wardlow, for protection. His first taste of gold came in the form of the Dynamite Diamond Ring, which he has used multiple times as a foreign object to score wins.

After feuds with Rhodes and Jack Perry, he focused on World Champion Jon Moxley. MJF conducted a pseudo-Presidental Campaign and declared the company needed a better champion as the face of the company. His verbal rants against Moxley led to a title bout at All Out 2020 but MJF was unsuccessful.

He then entered a lengthy feud with Chris Jericho, which saw him join the Inner Circle before starting his own rival faction the Pinnacle. This led to the two groups clashing in the inaugural Blood and Guts match.

A passionate feud with CM Punk followed before rumoured backstage tension with Tony Khan over contract and pay disagreements made its way to the screen. MJF took to the mic and demanded Khan fire him, called him a f*cking mark and walked out on the company. MJF returned three months later at All Out 2022 to win the Casino Ladder match securing himself a future shot for the AEW World Championship.

MJF won the title from Jon Moxley in Full Gear 2022 after William Regal betrayed his Blackpool Combat Club stablemate making him the youngest AEW World Champion in the history of the company.

In true MJF style, after winning the title he turned on Regal by attacking him, ending their partnership and Regal’s tenure with AEW.

MJF then discarded the championship, and unveiled his own custom version, which he dubbed Triple-B, the “Big Burberry Belt”.

The title win saw him become the first of the promotion’s “Four Pillars” to reach the top, which was the impetus to his feud with the remaining pillars, Sammy Guevera, Darby Allin and Jack Perry.

The feud saw MJF further solidify his position as AEW’s best all-round performers and as champion will defend the title at the “Biggest Event In Wrestling History” when AEW hits the UK in front of 80’000 + fans at Wembley Stadium.