The AEW National Championship belt has a nearly identical design to the 1984–2013 version of the NWA National Heavyweight Championship belt. On the center plate, like with the old NWA belt, there is an eagle at the top, an outline of the United States at the bottom (including Alaska and Hawaii), two lions facing inwards on the sides, a blue globe at the center between the first and second banners, and filigree in the space on the bottom left and right of the center plate. The notable differences with AEW's belt is that above the eagle has AEW's logo on a red background and the three banners, which are also red, say "National", "Wrestling", "Champion" in gold, respectively (with three gold stars on either side of the word "Wrestling"), instead of the second banner saying "Heavyweight Wrestling" like on the NWA's older belt. Additionally, the two inner side plates have AEW's logo on a red background with a gold star in each corner of the plate, instead of showing wrestlers grappling. The two outer side plates are identical to the NWA's old design with a wrestler holding up a title belt with an outline of the contingent United States behind them.[6]
Reception
The championship's unveiling drew criticism from figures associated with the NWA,[7] including then-NWA National Heavyweight Champion Mike Mondo and the title's inaugural holder, Austin Idol. The dispute centered on AEW's promotional claim that the National Championship had been defunct since 1986, which omitted the NWA's reintroduction of the title in 1997. Critics also questioned AEW's assertion that its title would continue the NWA championship's legacy despite a lack of formal affiliation between the two promotions.[8] In response, AEW President Tony Khan consulted with NWA President Billy Corgan. While Khan did not retract the initial promotional statements, he officially acknowledged the existence of the NWA's championship and clarified that AEW's would be a separate lineage. Khan also publicly commended Corgan's efforts in maintaining NWA traditions.[9]
As of May16, 2026, there have been three reigns between three champions. Ricochet was the inaugural champion, who has the longest reign at 113 days. Jack Perry has the shortest reign at 55 days. Ricochet is the oldest champion at 37 years old, while Perry is the youngest at 28.
This was a 21-man Blackjack Battle Royal that Perry won by last eliminating Ricochet. The match began during the Zero Hour pre-show but concluded after the start of the pay-per-view.
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