Maxwell Jacob Friedman defeated Darby Allin to become a three-time AEW World Champion at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The main event featured a hair versus title stipulation. Friedman avoided having his head shaved with the victory.
Allin's title reign ended just over one month after he won the belt during the Spring BreakThru edition of Dynamite on April 15.
After the match, current AEW TNT Champion Kevin Knight made a surprise appearance. He launched an assault on Allin, who was on a medical stretcher.
Before the pay-per-view, Allin defended his title against Konosuke Takeshita. Friedman then attacked Allin with the Dynamite Diamond Ring during a contract signing.
Knight initially intervened during that confrontation to prevent Friedman from executing a Tombstone off the ropes. This accelerated the rivalry ahead of Sunday's event.
The physical altercation continues a busy year for Knight.
He secured the vacant AEW TNT Championship in a Casino Gauntlet match at Dynasty in April after Kyle Fletcher vacated the title due to injury.
Knight previously challenged Friedman for the world title in March.
That match resulted in a 17-minute contest before Knight entered his current run as the face of TNT.
Reflecting on his entry into All Elite Wrestling after signing in March 2025, Knight discussed his mindset regarding high-profile matches against top talent like Will Ospreay.
"[My mindset was] I’ve got to come in and make a statement," said Knight. "AEW is where the best wrestle.
You’ve got to show and prove yourself against literally the best in the world."
The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion later formed the JetSpeed tag team with Mike Bailey.
He also secured the AEW World Trios Championship twice alongside "Hangman" Adam Page and Mistico.
"I can’t say enough nice things about Mike Bailey," said Knight. "Speedball has been nothing but a blessing ever since I stepped foot into AEW."
Following his singles championship victory at Dynasty, Knight outlined his goals for his title reign and his perspective on the gauntlet match.
"It’s such an honor [to hold the TNT Championship]," said Knight. "But the best thing I can say is a Russell Westbrook quote - who better but me?"
Knight subsequently modified the physical design of the championship belt.
He defended the title against Claudio Castagnoli, Hook, and Brian Cage before his latest involvement in the world title program.
"I brought back the diamonds [on the title]," said Knight. "I just want to show that I’m the flyest TNT champ of all time."
