We've got a new AEW TNT Champion—and not through the methods that were previously advertised for AEW All In: Texas—as Dustin Rhodes is now in possession of the title!
Previously, it had been scheduled for Adam Cole to defend his title against Kyle Fletcher. However, during the Zero Hour pre-show of All In, it was announced via Tony Khan that Cole was not medically cleared to compete, and instead, would be forced to relinquish his title.
Replacing that match was then a four-way for the now vacated championship, with Kyle Fletcher going up against Daniel Garcia (whom Adam Cole had defeated to win the TNT title) as well as The Sons of Texas, Sammy Guevara and Dustin Rhodes. No explanation was given for why Guevara and Rhodes were chosen to be added into the match, but whether it was just because this is Texas or what remains to be seen!
Rhodes retained the ROH World Tag Team Championship alongside Sammy Guevara last night at ROH Supercard of Honor, and pulled double duty with Guevara today as they had both also fought alongside The Von Erichs in the Zero Hour pre-show (in a match that they won over Shane Taylor Promotions).
Personal Reactions & What Happens Next?:
It always sucks when someone is injured in any fashion, let alone when they have to vacate a title. That's even worse when it's right before a pay-per-view, and for it to be such a big event like this, on top of that.
I'm wondering what was going on with Cole that was so bad that they couldn't let him go through with the match. Curiously, is this an ongoing thing that should be a bigger issue, or is it just one fluke added to a list of other injuries from over the years?
I'm also curious why Tony Khan decided to put ANOTHER title on Dustin Rhodes. Maybe it's just because Kyle Fletcher would have been too obvious and predictable. Maybe it's because he wants to reward him for signing a contract extension. Hell, maybe it's just because it would get a pop in Texas. I can't say I'm entirely opposed to it or entirely in favor of it, as I think it's neat for a surprise, but I'm still hoping Fletcher wins the title soon.
It sucks about Cole in particular. Nevertheless, I'm glad a new champion was crowned, rather than going with the interim title idea like they did for some reason with Red Velvet and the ROH Women's Television Championship. I'm not a fan of interim titles.
Tell us what you think about this title change by leaving a comment below! Who do you think will be the next in line to challenge for the title, or possibly even win the belt next? Keep the discussion going!