How AEW Just Took Fan Service Too Far

AEW Dynamite TNT
AEW

We don't know of the storyline explanation for the newly-announced 'TNT Championship' that those fans have willed into existence on social media for months - only that it will likely function, as most modern midcard titles do, with a certain, cynical pragmatism.

The name itself has drawn scorn, but that's the last thing to worry about. It's an obvious appeal to the paymaster, one that can only help AEW's most pivotal relationship, but it doubles as real sports presentation. Virtually every competition in English sport is sponsored, for example. It's also a synonym of the Television Championship. That is easily inferred.

It feels like an inelegant means of getting under-utilised acts on TV beyond the believable grudge element that separates the best companies from the most functional. There's a general vibe of consolation and obligation to a midcard title, much as AEW will reject that pejorative designation publicly. That's ultimately what any non-World Title is in an era in which the World Championship is no longer toured.

A midcard title is oxymoronic.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!