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It was rumored for a while, but AEW finally went ahead and announced a secondary championship to add to their growing collection of titles within the company. The TNT Championship is set to be that title and will be decided via an eight-man tournament. The tournament will play out on AEW Dynamite with the finals at AEW Double or Nothing.
With that said, the title presents an excellent opportunity to give another singles championship to an up and comer. The other option would be to give to an established name that people within the mainstream as both their World Champions have been former WWE Superstars.
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With all eight men now revealed, it does throw up some exciting possibilities as to who will be given a run with the AEW TNT title.
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Here are five AEW Wrestlers who could be the first TNT Champion.
#5 Darby Allin
While it could make for compelling television, Darby Allin could be first-ever AEW TNT Champion. When it comes to members of the AEW Roster who are considered as 'fresh talent,' he's probably more over than people realize.
Chris Jericho has often stated that he reminds him of a young Jeff Hardy, especially with his athleticism, in-ring ability, and just sheer adrenalin when he enters the ring. While Allin hasn't had necessarily much time cutting promos in the squared circle, his vignettes are something very different and unique.
Initially wanting to be a filmmaker, Allin has spent his own time crafting his videos that are used on AEW Dynamite. In doing so, he's been able to get himself over with the crowds and create that critical connection with the audience.
Will that be enough for management to make him the AEW TNT Champion? Only time will tell.
#4 Kip Sabian
It's interesting to note that Kip Sabian was in the first-ever AEW singles match when the company debuted with the Double or Nothing PPV last year. Since then, it's fair to say that he hasn't been on the top of everyone's mind.
There is no doubting his in-ring ability, and the pairing with Penelope Ford has provided him some much-needed character development that was lacking when he first debuted. As a cocky heel, he has given a reason for the audiences to hate him and Ford.
The match with Cody Rhodes also did him some good in the long run despite the loss. He had a decent feud with Joey Janela, which had some airplay over time and culminated with a match on AEW Dark.
With that said, could Sabian have a chance to be the AEW TNT Champion? It's possible as he is slated to take on Dustin Rhodes in the tournament. With Rhodes stating in the past that he is there to get young talent over, Sabian can be assured of at least a semi-final spot.
#3 Sammy Guevara
There is so much to like about Sammy Guevara. He checks all the boxes in so many ways. He has charisma, creativity, and has the bell-to-bell in-ring ability to go with it. The placement in The Inner Circle was a smart move on AEW's part as it gave him the much-needed exposure on TNT.
Chris Jericho dubbing him 'Sexy Spanish God', has only enhanced his outlook on television. Take last week during his match with Kenny Omega. He had drawings of Cody Rhodes, Brandi Rhodes, Jericho, and 'The Captain' to fill in as audience members. To show his 'love' for Brandi, he was 'making out' with the drawing of Brandi.
It was a moment that felt so organic, and Brandi's expression said it all. Even his rendition of Jericho's Judas was so awful and over-the-top that Le Champion almost looked like he broke character. If there is anyone who deserves this title, it's Sammy Guevera.
While his chances are pretty slim as his first match is against Darby Allin, there is still a possibility that he could go all the way. With The Inner Circle lacking gold right now, the AEW TNT Championship would make for a great fit.
#4 Cody Rhodes
A few years ago, Cody Rhodes languished on the mid-card in WWE. Who would have thought he would be the most-over Babyface in AEW? The story of AEW has been the story of Cody. As his now-famous promo said, he went from Undesirable to Undeniable.
Like his father, he has tried to balance his booking duties with being an in-ring performer. Cody's willingness to put others over has been a highlight of his AEW career. He even put in a stipulation where he would never compete for the AEW World Championship.
But there was nothing said about him not competing for the AEW TNT Championship. As things stand, he is well-positioned, getting to the finals of the tournament. His first match is with his old nemesis, Shawn Spears.
It's fair to say that Cody's odds of getting to the finals of the tournament. Though Cody could have a 'big' problem and there is one wrestler who could stop him in his tracks.
#5 Lance Archer
Lance Archer's debut in AEW shows that he means business. He destroyed Marko Stunt in the middle of the ring, which hinted at how AEW will book him going forward. For a while, critics were pointing out that AEW didn't have enough 'big men' on their roster, but the addition of Archer will undoubtedly change that perception.
Even better is the pairing with Jake The Snake Roberts. Jake The Snake hasn't lost a step with his promos, and AEW has been smart to hire him as a mouthpiece for Archer. The vignettes have also been fantastic. The Murderhawk Mansion video was a great way to establish Archer as an unstoppable monster.
The video was a great way to showcase his ability to demolish his opponents at will. With that said, it's quite evident that Lance Archer will get through to the finals unless there's a twist in the tale.
Archer seems hellbent on destroying Cody. Will it be in the finals of this tournament that will take place at Double or Nothing? Only time will tell.
