Swerve Strickland Requested AEW Title Plate Changes

The current champion proposed removing the Young Bucks from the AEW World Trios Championship belt design.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Wrestling

Expressive illustration of a muscular hand gripping a polished gold championship belt, capturing the high-energy atmosphere of professional wrestling. — Wrestling champion Swerve Strickland has advocated for a redesign of the AEW World Trios Championship belts to feature current titleholders rather than previous champions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Swerve Strickland has advocated for a redesign of the AEW World Trios Championship plates to remove the likeness of the Young Bucks. Strickland argued that the current title hardware should feature the reigning champions rather than previous titleholders.

Why it matters

The request highlights ongoing tensions regarding the branding of AEW championships and the importance of ensuring title belts accurately represent the current champions in a professional wrestling promotion.

Swerve Strickland holds the current AEW World Trios Championship alongside Kofi and Austin Creed. The existing side plates on the title belts currently depict Matt and Nick Jackson performing their signature superkick move.

The players

Swerve Strickland

He is the current AEW World Trios Champion who has publicly campaigned for a change to the championship belt design.

The Young Bucks

Also known as Matt and Nick Jackson, they are professional wrestlers and the inaugural champions of the AEW World Trios title.

All Elite Wrestling

This is the professional wrestling promotion that hosts the World Trios Championship and manages title hardware design.

Don Chenz

He is the interviewer who conducted the 60-second session where Strickland made his comments regarding the title plates.

The details

During a 60-second interview with Don Chenz, Strickland critiqued the current plate design, noting that the Young Bucks are a duo, not a trio, and that the hardware should reflect the current titleholders. The Young Bucks previously held the inaugural AEW World Trios Championship alongside Kenny Omega after winning the titles at All Out 2022.

The Young Bucks won the inaugural AEW Trios titles in September 2022.
Death Triangle defeated the Young Bucks at Full Gear in November 2022.
The Young Bucks challenge for the Tag Team Championship on September 26, 2026.

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Season Trajectory

This dispute over championship branding complicates the promotion's visual identity as the organization moves toward its upcoming All Out pay-per-view event. The outcome may influence how the company handles long-term championship branding as it prepares for high-profile title challenges.

The potential change in belt design directly impacts the visual presentation of the AEW World Trios Championship during the upcoming title defense at All Out. Fans following the promotion should watch for any changes to the physical championship hardware during the September 26, 2026, event broadcast.

The takeaway

Professional wrestling title designs often serve as historical markers for the legacy of previous champions who established the division. Strickland's request reflects a desire to modernize championship aesthetics to better align with the current competitive landscape of the promotion.

What happens next

Swerve Strickland and The New Level will defend the AEW World Trios Championship at All Out on September 26, 2026, while the Young Bucks will compete for the AEW World Tag Team Championship at the same event.