AEW has announced a Survival of the Fittest match will crown a new TBS Champion on the July 1 episode of Dynamite at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California — the first time the concept has been used in AEW.
Tony Schiavone announced the format on Saturday’s Collision: six qualifying matches will take place across Dynamite and Collision throughout June, with the six winners advancing to the Survival of the Fittest match for the title. The concept originated in ROH in 2004, where Bryan Danielson was the first winner. The first-ever women’s version took place at ROH Supercard of Honor on May 15, won by Athena.
Willow Nightingale vacated the TBS Championship on the May 20 Dynamite after suffering a shoulder injury, ending a reign that began on December 31, 2025 with a victory over Mercedes Moné. She made ten successful defenses.
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