AEW is digging into wrestling history with a new trademark that could mean a big return for a classic: the Parade of Champions. According to recent filings, AEW has secured trademarks for both “AEW Parade of Champions” and the classic “Parade of Champions” title, a name that evokes memories of the iconic WCCW event created by the late wrestling legend Fritz Von Erich.
In wrestling lore, the Parade of Champions first debuted under WCCW in 1961, resurfacing in 1972, and then rolling out annually from 1984 to 1988. This series became a Von Erich family staple, with the 1984 event held as a tribute to David Von Erich, who passed away that year. The tribute show became a legendary spectacle, headlined by Ric Flair losing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship to Kerry Von Erich, marking one of the most memorable moments in wrestling history.
With AEW’s All In scheduled for Texas next year, fans are already speculating that the Parade of Champions revival will land in the Lone Star State as a Texas-sized appetizer. Adding to the intrigue, Ross and Marshall Von Erich—David’s nephews and sons of wrestling icon Kevin Von Erich—are currently under AEW’s roof, holding the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team titles alongside AEW mainstay Dustin Rhodes. Could Parade of Champions be their breakout moment?
Given the Von Erich family’s legacy in Texas, a Parade of Champions event is sure to add emotional weight to AEW’s lineup and honor wrestling’s rich history. As AEW continues to push the boundaries with creative throwbacks, a Parade of Champions revival would make for a grand celebration of old-school wrestling with a new-school twist.