AEW vs WWE Belts: Key Design Differences Every Collector Should Know
When it comes to professional wrestling, few things are as iconic as the championship belt. Both WWE and AEW treat their belts as the ultimate symbol of prestige, but the way they design and present them differs in fascinating ways. For collectors, understanding these differences not only adds to the appreciation of the craft but also helps when deciding which belt to add to your display.
In this blog, we’ll compare WWE and AEW belts across history, design, craftsmanship, and fan appeal, highlighting why each brand’s titles are unique.
WWE Belts: Branding, Prestige, and Evolution
WWE has been the industry leader for decades, and their belts reflect the company’s global brand identity.
- Logo-Centric Design: Since 2013, WWE belts have prominently displayed the giant WWE logo at the center, ensuring instant recognition worldwide.
- Interchangeable Side Plates: A modern innovation, side plates allow champions to showcase their own logos. This adds a layer of personalization fans love.
- Prestige Through History: WWE titles, from the Winged Eagle to the Spinner Belt, carry decades of legacy that enhance their collector value.
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AEW Belts: Tradition Meets Modern Craft
AEW, founded in 2019, took a different approach. Their belts emphasize tradition, artistry, and scale.
- Larger Plates: AEW belts, like the World Championship, are known for oversized, detailed plates that cover most of the strap.
- Classic Aesthetic: Instead of a giant logo, AEW focuses on intricate etching, global motifs, and old-school wrestling vibes.
- Handcrafted Feel: Many collectors admire AEW belts for their detailed craftsmanship, which reminds them of classic territorial wrestling belts.
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Comparing the Main Championships
WWE Championship
- Modern WWE logo at the center
- Clean, symmetrical design
- Focus on branding and recognition
- Customizable side plates for personalization
AEW World Championship
- Massive center plate with detailed scrollwork
- Rich textures, layered gold plating, and globe motifs
- Minimal branding, maximum artistry
- Feels more like a traditional prize than a corporate logo piece
Tag Team and Women’s Belts: Two Different Philosophies
Both WWE and AEW offer Tag Team and Women’s Championships, but their approaches highlight brand identity.
- WWE Tag Team Titles: Sleek, with Spartan helmet motifs and metallic finishes. WWE’s belts often match in color for Raw and SmackDown, making them consistent across brands.
- AEW Tag Team Titles: Larger, more intricate, designed to look like old-school boxing belts with silver and gold contrasts.
- WWE Women’s Titles: Similar in design to men’s championships, focusing on the logo.
- AEW Women’s Titles: Smaller plates but with heavy etching and decorative touches, showcasing craftsmanship.
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Why Collectors Value Both
For collectors, the choice between WWE and AEW belts often comes down to what they value most:
- WWE Belts: Perfect for fans who want prestige, brand recognition, and the ability to swap out side plates.
- AEW Belts: Ideal for collectors who love artistry, larger designs, and belts that feel like trophies from wrestling’s golden eras.
Some fans choose both — displaying WWE belts for their global recognition and AEW belts for their craftsmanship.
Which Belt Should You Add to Your Collection?
If you’re a fan of sleek, modern branding, WWE belts are unmatched. If you admire artistry, oversized plates, and classic wrestling aesthetics, AEW belts may be your choice.
At Custom Wrestling Belts, we create designs inspired by both WWE and AEW, offering brass craftsmanship with zinc or CNC upgrade options. Whether you want the clean WWE look or the detailed AEW style, we can help you build your dream belt.
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Final Thoughts
Both WWE and AEW belts symbolize wrestling excellence, but they tell very different design stories. WWE focuses on branding and legacy, while AEW emphasizes scale, artistry, and tradition. For collectors, understanding these differences helps in choosing the right piece to showcase your fandom.
No matter which style you prefer, a championship belt is more than just a collectible — it’s a piece of wrestling history.
👉 Explore our full range of WWE Belts and Custom Belts today.