Ever since Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada had a stare down segment several months ago, teasing a clash at AEW All In: Texas, it's been speculated that their AEW International Championship and AEW Continental Championship titles would be merged in some fashion.
That was implied when it was announced to be a Winner Takes All match, but now, after a segment on the Dynamite section of Summer Blockbuster, we now know it is also official.
During their contract signing segment between the two, Tony Schiavone unveiled the brand new "AEW Unified Championship" title belt as the prize of this match at All In. It sports a design of a black strap and is all gold, with the Continental Crown logo in the center with the lions from the International Championship on its sides and the text "Unified Champion" on it. There are also side plates to honor The Rainmaker and The One-Winged Angel maneuvers to represent both of the wrestlers.
Given the name and the adornments that are specific to Omega and Okada, this appears to be a gesture, rather than a true merged title going forward.
This wouldn't be the first ceremonial title in All Elite Wrestling if that ends up being the case. After all, the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament winners are temporarily given title belts that they don't defend. For all that has been established, this could just be Tony Khan's preferred version of a trophy in belt form while the titles stay technically separate.
Without clarifying, we have to assume the championships will remain split, based on the track record in the company's history so far. When the AEW World Trios Championship and Ring of Honor Six-Man Tag Team Championship titles were held by the same people, they were broken apart again, and the same happened with the original Continental Classic when Eddie Kingston won the inaugural title while holding the ROH World Championship and New Japan Pro-Wrestling STRONG Openweight Championship.
After this announcement, Okada revealed that he's now working with The Don Callis Family, and attacked Omega, hitting him in the stomach several times, including with a police baton and an elbow drop. Omega was taken out on a stretcher after spitting up blood (kayfabe) as Don Callis and Okada sped away from the arena.
What are your thoughts on this title? Drop your reactions in the comments below!