Ace Austin has yet to win the IMPACT World Title because, in the wrestling business, plans change.
Austin won the IMPACT World Title #1 Contendership Tournament in June 2020, but it was at a time when the situation with Tessa Blanchard, who as the reigning IMPACT World Champion but not at the tapings due to the pandemic, was unresolved. Instead of getting a one-on-one match for the IMPACT World Title, Austin competed in a five-way at Slammiversary, which was won by Eddie Edwards.
Speaking on his House of Hardcore podcast, Tommy Dreamer revealed that IMPACT wanted to put the World Title on Austin on two different occasions, but things came up.
"You have twice come so so close to becoming the champ. The first time was 'he's not ready.' The second time it was when Trey got hurt, he got a concussion. We filmed two different finishes with you and Wentz. I told Wentz, from that performance, we got a singles star in Wentz. We were about to pull the trigger on making you the champ and had already put you with Fulton. It was all contingent on Trey being able to come back from his concussion. Trey coming back kind of screwed you from being champ," said Dreamer.
Austin, who was a guest on the podcast, commented, "It's not too late. I can still be the youngest (world champion). I don't turn 24 until the end of February."
Austin then informed Dreamer that Tessa is the youngest IMPACT World Champion, having won the title at the age of 24 years, 170 days. Austin will turn 24 on February 28.
Dreamer replied, "Oh, shit. That's good to know. We'll have to take that up in the next creative meeting."
Rich Swann is the current IMPACT World Champion. He is set to compete alongside the Motor City Machine Guns against Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers at IMPACT Hard To Kill. Meanwhile, Austin will compete in the Super X-Cup at IMPACT Genesis on Saturday, January 9.
Fightful will have coverage of IMPACT Genesis on January 9.
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