AEW Women's Championship 2026
From Riho's inaugural reign to the theatrical brilliance of Toni Storm and beyond — the AEW Women's World Championship has become one of wrestling's most hotly contested prizes, carried by a division that consistently delivers the best women's matches in the world.
Title History — Key Reigns
Riho — Inaugural Champion (2019)
The Japanese prodigy Riho became AEW's inaugural Women's Champion at AEW's Double or Nothing 2019, defeating Nyla Rose in the tournament final. Her speed and technical precision set the standard for what the division would become, capturing the imagination of fans who had rarely seen a performer like her on primetime American television.
Dr. Britt Baker DMD — The Mouth of AEW
Britt Baker's championship reign was transformative for the division. Her dentist character, lockjaw submission hold and heelish charisma made her one of AEW's biggest overall stars. Baker's reign elevated the Women's Championship to a position of true prominence on Dynamite programming.
Hikaru Shida — Multiple Reigns
Shida has been the quiet workhorse of the AEW Women's division, holding the title on multiple occasions and delivering consistently excellent matches. Her kendo stick-wielding intensity and strong style influenced approach gave the championship credibility as a serious in-ring prize.
Thunder Rosa — La Mera Mera
Thunder Rosa's championship reign came at a pivotal moment for the division, bringing main event energy and a fierce in-ring style. Her feud with Dr. Britt Baker produced some of the most physical and emotionally charged women's matches in AEW history.
Toni Storm — Timeless Character Era
Toni Storm's "Timeless" character — a delusional 1930s Hollywood starlet — became one of wrestling's most creative character reinventions. Her championship reign was carried as much by storytelling as in-ring quality, with her manager Luther and the whole theatrical presentation elevating every appearance.
Saraya & Kris Statlander — Division Depth
Former WWE star Saraya (Paige) brought crossover attention to AEW upon her arrival, while Kris Statlander's alien-themed character and power offence gave the division a unique flavour. Both contributed to proving AEW's roster depth extends well beyond the obvious stars.
TBS Championship: AEW's Second Women's Title
AEW Women's World Championship
The top women's title in AEW. Defended primarily on Dynamite. History stretches back to AEW's founding in 2019. The prestige belt for AEW's women's division.
TBS Championship
Introduced in January 2022 (named after the TBS network). Acts as a secondary title defended regularly on Rampage and Collision. Jade Cargill's dominant inaugural reign of 508 days defined the belt's early identity.
These are two separate championships — the Women's World Championship is the top prize, while the TBS title gives AEW's women's roster an additional avenue to main event prominence. Both titles compete for TV time and booking priority.
AEW vs WWE Women's Division: The 2026 Debate
The question of whether AEW or WWE has the superior women's division has been debated by wrestling fans since AEW launched in 2019. WWE's SmackDown and Raw brands offer more TV time and production resources, while AEW has consistently provided longer, more complex women's matches with fewer restrictions on physicality.
In 2026, AEW's women's division benefits from international talent — particularly Japanese wrestlers who bring a hard-hitting strong style — alongside homegrown stars built through ROH and independent scenes. The division has demonstrated it can deliver main event quality matches when given the opportunity.
WWE counters with the sheer star power of Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch — names with mainstream recognition beyond hardcore wrestling fans. The ongoing talent competition between both promotions has raised the ceiling for women's wrestling across the industry.
Latest News
Thekla Defeats Mina Shirakawa, Retains AEW Women's World Title On Dynamite
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AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla Re-Signs With AEW
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EXCLUSIVE – Skye Blue Addresses Criticism Of AEW Women’s Blood & Guts Match
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Former AEW Women's World Champion Challenges Thekla To Dynasty Match
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Report: Former AEW Women’s Champion to be offered dual deal with CMLL
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AEW Dynamite Results 4/8 - TBS Championship On The Line, Kenny Omega & Chris Jericho Appear
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‘What A Huge Signing’ – Tony Khan Calls Thekla The MVP Of Past Year’s AEW Women’s Roster Additions
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AEW WOMEN'S TAG TITLE: LIVE, ONGOING AEW DYNASTY 2026 PPV COVERAGE
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AEW Dynasty: Divine Dominion Retain AEW Women’s Tag Team Gold
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Willow Nightingale Grants AEW TBS Championship Match Against Returning Star
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AEW Dynasty: Thekla Retains AEW Women’s World Championship
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Megan Bayne Emerging As AEW Women’s Division Star
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AEW Women's World Champion Thekla Called Out For Match On Spring Breakthru Collision
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AEW Dynamite: Willow Nightingale Retains TBS Championship
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Divine Dominion Continue Reign As AEW Women's World Tag Champs
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Former AEW Women’s Champion announced for Marigold event
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AEW Women's World Champion Thekla Explains Why Tony Khan's Company Is A 'Perfect Fit'
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Willow Nightingale Suffers Shoulder Injury Against Red Velvet And Relinquishes The TBS Championship During AEW Dynamite
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Willow Nightingale Vacates AEW TBS Championship Due To Injury, Also Withdraws From Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
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Tony Khan Comments On Willow Nightingale's Injury, Status Of AEW TBS Championship
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Featured Analysis
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Apr 12, 2026
The AEW women’s division is facing a strategic roster pivot
Apr 3, 2026
Toni Storm injury leaves AEW women's division searching for a new centerpiece
Mar 23, 2026
Willow Nightingale is the heartbeat of the AEW women’s division
Mar 22, 2026