FTW Championship Retired at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam
'The Human Suplex Machine' Taz with HOOK, FTW Champion \ Credit: All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Last night at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam, an era officially ended as HOOK retired the AEW FTW Championship after successfully defending the title against Roderick Strong. The event occurred at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York City on September 25, 2024, marking the final chapter in the FTW Championship's history.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story All good things must come to an end. So, on behalf of my family, I’d like to thank each and every wrestler who has competed for this championship right here. And I’d like to thank each and every one of you fans who supported this FTW Championship. The FTW Championship is officially retired.”
Following the match, HOOK then handed the title to his father, 'The Human Suplex Machine' Taz, the creator of the FTW Championship back in 1998 for Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
What is the FTW Championship?
'The Human Suplex Machine' Taz, FTW Champion in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
The FTW (Fuck the World) Championship is a unique and unsanctioned wrestling title originally introduced by Taz in Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1998. The championship acted as a rebellious response to the ECW World Heavyweight Title situation, with Taz feeling he was the 'uncrowned' champion. The title was never officially sanctioned by ECW, which added to its renegade allure.
The revival of the FTW title in AEW came in July 2020, when it was awarded to Brian Cage. Only four other names held the title in AEW, including Ricky Starks, Jack Perry, Chris Jericho, and HOOK.
Taz Reflects on the End of the FTW Championship
Taz took to X/Twitter last night to share his thoughts on the retirement of the championship title.
