Key Takeaways:
The FTW Championship was originally created by Taz in ECW (1998) and reintroduced in AEW (2020).
The title was held by notable AEW wrestlers, including Brian Cage, Ricky Starks, Hook, Jack Perry, and Chris Jericho.
Hook became the only three-time FTW Champion before retiring the title on 25th September 2024.
The history of the FTW Championship dates back to 1998 which is 26 years ago. It was first created in ECW by Taz because the World Champion was injured and he was unable to defend the title. Therefore there was a need for another title. This championship was there in ECW for only one year till 1999. Then 21 years later in 2020, Taz once again introduced this championship. This is one of those titles which is given to the most improved wrestler in the company. In this list only the FTW Champions from AEW will be looked at.
List of the AEW FTW Champions
Brian Cage (2nd July 2020 – 14th July 2021)
The first AEW FTW Champion was Brian Cage. He was the client of Taz at the time. This title was reintroduced on 2nd July 2020 at the Fyter Fest event. Brian Cage was the FTW Champion for 377 days. Taz reintroduced the title and he handed it to Brian Cage. Thus began the second innings of this championship.
Ricky Starks (14th July 2021 – 27th July 2022)
The second FTW Champion for AEW was Ricky Starks. He won the title a year later In 2021 at the Fyter Fest PPV. He won the championship on 14th July 2021 and he would hold the championship for 378 days. Ricky Starks benefitted a great deal from being the champion as he has some incredible matches.
Hook (27th July 2022 – 19th July 2023)
The only 2 time FTW Champion in the short history of AEW is the son of Taz and his name is Hook. He is one of the most promising young wrestlers in the company. He became champion for the first time on 27th July 2022 at AEW Dynamite Fight for the Fallen. He would hold the title for 357 days as the champion the first time.
Jack Perry (19th July 2023 – 27th August 2023)
Jack Perry is known to wrestling fans around the world and the man who was hit by CM Punk and because of whom Tony Khan had to fire Punk from AEW and the doors opened for his return to WWE at Survivor Series. Jack Perry has been a one time FTW Champion and he has had the shortest reign with the championship. He held the title for 39 days.
Hook (2nd Reign) (27th August 2023 – 21st April 2024)
Hook won it back again on 27th August 2023 at AEW All in and he has been champion for 238 days in his 2nd reign.
Chris Jericho (21st April 2024 – 25th August 2024)
Chris Jericho won it on 21st April 2024 in AEW Dynasty. He held the reign for 126 days.
Hook (3rd Reign) (25th August 2024 – 25th September 2024)
In his 3rd reign Hook won it again on 25th August, 2024 from Chris Jericho in AEW All In. On 25th September, 2024, after successfully defending the title against Roderick Strong, Hook announced the retirement of the FTW Championship.
Who was the final FTW Champion in AEW?
Hook was the last FTW Champion in AEW, winning it for the third time on 25th August 2024. He retired the title on 25th September 2024 after a successful defense against Roderick Strong.
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