Modern professional wrestling is often criticised for having too many championships. Many fans feel that when there are too many belts, each one starts to lose its value. If everyone is a champion, then being a champion does not feel special anymore.
In All Elite Wrestling (AEW) alone, there are five men’s singles titles, not counting Ring of Honor. WWE has even more across its different brands. Because of this, debates about “title overload” have become common among fans.
However, Ricochet believes having more titles is not necessarily a bad thing.
Ricochet Supports More Championships in AEW
Ricochet is the inaugural holder of the AEW National Championship, the company’s newest men’s singles title. This championship was created with a special rule — it can be defended across different promotions. That idea is similar to the AEW International Championship.
Speaking to Forbes, Ricochet explained why he thinks adding another title is positive.
According to him:
- Wrestlers are prizefighters.
- Every competitor needs something meaningful to fight for.
- More championships create more opportunities.
In a company where the talent level is extremely high from top to bottom, having another “prize” allows more wrestlers to shine.
The Concern: Too Many Titles Can Dilute Value
On the other hand, critics argue that too many championships can reduce their importance.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Promotion | Number of Men’s Singles Titles |
|---|---|
| All Elite Wrestling | 5 |
| WWE | 8 (9 including NXT Heritage Cup) |
When fans see multiple championships defended regularly, it can become confusing. It may also make the world title feel less special.
Ricochet himself admitted that launching a new championship comes with pressure. A new belt must build its own history and legacy. It cannot feel like just another accessory.
Outside Championships on AEW Television
Another reason fans feel overwhelmed is because AEW sometimes features titles from other promotions on its programming.
For example:
- Claudio Castagnoli has defended non-AEW titles on AEW shows.
- Konosuke Takeshita also carried major championships from other companies earlier this year.
- Mercedes Moné recently held several titles across promotions like CMLL, BestYa, APAC, and PTW. Some of those belts were showcased during her AEW appearances.
When multiple outside championships appear on weekly television, it adds to the perception that there are simply too many belts in circulation.
Pros and Cons of Multiple Championships
Like most debates in wrestling, there are two clear sides.
Advantages
- More wrestlers get spotlight moments.
- Mid-card talents have clear goals.
- Cross-promotion exposure increases global reach.
- Fresh matchups become possible.
Disadvantages
- Titles may feel less prestigious.
- Fans can get confused about rankings.
- The main world championship may lose importance.
Ricochet’s main argument is simple — wrestlers want something to fight for. Adding more prizes creates more competition and motivation.
The Bigger Picture in Modern Wrestling
Professional wrestling today is very different from the past. Companies work together more often. Cross-promotional matches are common. Streaming platforms and global tours have changed how wrestling operates.
Because of this, championships now serve multiple purposes:
- Building international partnerships
- Giving new stars a push
- Creating storylines across brands
- Increasing merchandise sales
In this new environment, having more championships may be part of a larger strategy rather than just overbooking.
