Kyle Fletcher Forced to Vacate TNT Title Due To Injury, New Champion to Be Crowned at AEW Dynasty

AEW has been dealt a tough blow as TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher is officially stepping away from the title due to injury.

Tony Khan broke the news during his pre-show livestream ahead of AEW Dynamite on X, revealing that Fletcher is dealing with a meniscus injury along with other physical setbacks. According to Khan, the damage is significant enough to keep “The Protostar” sidelined for several months, with an in-ring return now expected sometime in 2026.

Khan didn’t hold back when addressing Fletcher’s run, praising him as one of the greatest TNT Champions in AEW history. Still, with recovery now the priority, Fletcher has no choice but to vacate the championship.

With the title now up for grabs, AEW is wasting no time in reshaping the picture. A Casino Gauntlet Match has been announced for this Sunday’s AEW Dynasty pay-per-view in Vancouver, where a new TNT Champion will be crowned.

Momentum heading into that match is already shifting. On Dynamite, former TNT Champion Tommaso Ciampa picked up a key victory over Mascara Dorada, earning the coveted number one entry spot in the Gauntlet. That advantage could prove crucial in what’s expected to be a chaotic and high-stakes contest.

While Fletcher’s absence leaves a major void in the division, Dynasty now has even higher stakes as AEW prepares to usher in a new TNT Champion under unpredictable circumstances.