Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Over the past two years, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been aggressively growing its pay-per-view schedule and special events, reviving wrestling history themes and producing new, thrilling moments for fans. The phrase "AEW Parade of Champions" and "Parade of Champions," which are derived from a well-liked wrestling custom, are among their recent trademark filings.
If All Elite Wrestling proceeds with this event, it may honour the legendary Parade of Champions competitions that the Von Erich family used to host in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). This possible occurrence has the ability to revolutionise AEW and provide a springboard for even more significant narratives in the promotion.
AEW's growing pay-per-view calendar and themed events
Image via AEW
As a hallmark of the promotion, All Elite Wrestling has been increasing the number of pay-per-views and special episodes it airs each year. As seen by their Bash at the Beach special, which was a reference to the WCW pay-per-view of the same name, the organisation has already demonstrated its willingness to combine new ideas with wrestling heritage. Beyond mere nostalgia, these allusions to earlier occasions demonstrate AEW's dedication to fusing the old and the modern, providing fans with a feeling of continuity and reverence for the history of professional wrestling.
Recent All Elite Wrestling trademark applications for "AEW Parade of Champions" and "Parade of Champions" indicate that the organisation is prepared to launch a new and exciting phase in its expanding wrestling brand. In addition to considering organising an event, AEW is putting itself in a position to commemorate a segment of wrestling history that dates back several decades, according to new filings from the USPTO.
The legacy of the "Parade of Champions"
The Parade of Champions events were originally created by Fritz Von Erich in the early 1960s. WCCW first held the event in 1961 and again in 1972, but it wasn't until 1984 that the Parade of Champions became an annual tradition. From 1984 to 1988, the event was held every year, often in the Texas area, and quickly became one of the biggest supercards in the region.
The 1984 edition of the Parade of Champions was particularly significant. It was dedicated to the memory of David Von Erich, Fritz’s son, who tragically passed away that year. As a result, the event was officially called the Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions. This emotional tribute became part of the legacy of the Von Erich family and further solidified the importance of the Parade of Champions in wrestling history.
The 1984 event was also historic for another reason: Ric Flair, one of wrestling’s greatest champions, lost the NWA World Heavyweight Championship to Kerry Von Erich in a thrilling main event. This match remains a high point in the history of the Von Erich family and WCCW.
Also read: Former WWE star claims Tony Khan threatened job over Donald Trump support
All Elite Wrestling's potential revival of a wrestling tradition
Image via AEW
With All Elite Wrestling filing trademarks for the Parade of Champions, it seems that the company is poised to bring this legendary event back in a modern context. All signs point to the possibility of the first-ever AEW Parade of Champions taking place in Texas, an area that holds significant historical value to the Von Erich legacy. The connection to Texas is undeniable, as Tony Khan's promotion is set to host its All In pay-per-view in the state next year, making it the perfect location to revive a tradition like the Parade of Champions.
The promotion's connections to the Von Erich family are growing in importance as AEW expands. Along with veteran wrestler Dustin Rhodes, Kevin Von Erich's sons Ross and Marshall are presently signed to AEW and make up two-thirds of the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions. Their participation in AEW is a strong indication that the promotion is interested in carrying on the Von Erich story in the modern era, in addition to being a monument to the Von Erich family legacy.
Given the Von Erichs' ongoing presence in All Elite Wrestling, it’s highly likely that the Parade of Champions event would prominently feature them. The event could serve as a perfect platform to highlight Ross and Marshall Von Erich, potentially positioning them for more prominent roles in this promotion’s future. “The event will more than likely platform the family once again and could potentially be the brothers' gateway to becoming featured on AEW more often.”
The future of AEW’s "Parade of Champions"
As AEW continues to grow its impact on the professional wrestling industry, the Parade of Champions event may mark a significant turning point. All Elite Wrestling would honour one of the most illustrious traditions in wrestling history while also establishing a new custom for the contemporary period by taking inspiration from WCCW's legendary event.
With the promotion's calendar continuous growth with more prestigious events, fans can anticipate a possible Parade of Champions in 2024. If AEW moves forward with this event, it may join other popular events like All In, Double or Nothing, and Full Gear as a key event on their annual schedule.
All Elite Wrestling continues to innovate and celebrate the rich history of professional wrestling, the potential Parade of Champions could be one of the promotion's most exciting tributes yet—especially if it brings the Von Erich family back into the spotlight. With Texas as the backdrop and the Von Erichs at the heart of the show, the Tony Khan's promotion Parade of Champions could become an instant classic in the promotion’s growing legacy.
Also read: Ricochet discusses WWE exit and reveals key decision factors: "I feel like I made the right choice"
English (US) ·