Kazuchika Okada is still recognized as the AEW International Champion but is currently without the actual championship belt. On the January 31 episode of AEW Collision, Okada competed against Adam Priest for the AEW International Title while carrying a belt concealed by a black bag marked with the AEW logo instead of the usual championship belt.
Details Emerge About the Missing Title Belt
According to Fightful Select, the bag containing the AEW International Championship belt along with Okada’s gear has gone missing. The circumstances behind the bag’s disappearance remain unclear, causing concern among fans and officials alike.
Previous Instances of Lost AEW Championship Items
This is not the first time AEW has faced the unusual issue of missing championship items. Chris Jericho’s AEW World Championship belt was stolen shortly after he won it at All Out 2019. The theft happened while Jericho was dining at the LongHorn Steakhouse in Tallahassee, Florida, but the belt was found days later by a man returning from scalloping along a roadside.
Similarly, MJF’s Dynamite Diamond Ring disappeared before All In 2024. This loss was later incorporated into MJF’s storyline with Daniel Garcia, blending real-world events into scripted feuds.
The Impact and What to Expect Next
The loss of Okada’s championship belt adds a layer of frustration and uncertainty to AEW’s operations, reflecting tensions within the promotion as it navigates unexpected setbacks. The physical absence of the belt could affect storylines and merchandise, while also raising questions about backstage security. Fans and the AEW community await updates on when the original belt will be recovered or replaced, and how this incident will influence upcoming matches and appearances involving Kazuchika Okada.
