Tony Khan isnt shying away from the heat after AEW introduced its new National Championshipa move that stirred up the NWA locker room and triggered a flurry of backlash from both fans and wrestlers loyal to the long-standing promotion.
After AEW unveiled its version of the National Title on the November 5 episode of Dynamite, NWA wasted no time firing back. They crowned Mike Mondo as their own National Champion just days later, making it very clear they werent letting AEWs new title go unchecked. The whole thing turned into a public back-and-forth, with NWA President Billy Corgan and various talents pointing out the rich legacy of their version of the belt. Now, Tony Khan has officially respondedand while hes playing nice with Corgan, hes not changing course.
Speaking publicly about the issue for the first time, Khan said he saw the online noise surrounding AEWs announcement and understood why it ruffled feathers. But instead of fueling the fire, he went straight to the top of NWA to clear the air.
Khan admitted the NWA National Championship carries real weight in pro wrestling history but made it clear AEW is carving its own path.
He also showed respect for Billy Corgan, noting that their private conversation was productive and positive.
To wrestlers still upset about AEW stepping into National Championship territory, Khan had a simple message.
So while the name may be the same, the approach is very different. AEW isnt interested in copying the NWAits focused on expanding its own brand. And despite the old-school loyalty tied to the NWA strap, Khan has no plans to change AEWs course.
Tony Khan isnt looking for a fightbut hes also not giving up ground. With both promotions now pushing forward with their own National Champions, the wrestling world might just be watching a new belt rivalry play out in real time.
Do you think Tony Khan made the right call by keeping the National Title name? Or should AEW have gone with something completely original? Sound off in the comments and let us know where you stand on this title clash.
