I think it's interesting that people are talking about Hangman winning the title as if it's his first time
So either we're trying to erase the memories of his 1st (horrible) title run
Or it's a sign of AEW's growth
HBO Max brought a whole new audience and the decision of the year (last year) was to expect this and essentially reset AEW on that first ep.
I've said it before, but if you watch the first ep in Max, iirc right after a big promo essentially introducing Moxs character, that he's the champ, and sort of setting out a challenge that there was no one that could stop him, the very next thing was a cut to Hangman entering for a match.
AEW did a very very good job with Hangman this year. Since day one just about every thing he's done has been very intentional. A lot of storytelling cues for new viewers that he's the One. But at the same time, not presenting him as "Hey this guy is a Big Deal and you should treat him as such" (MJF, Swerve), there has been a clear intention to make new viewers feel like they're seeing an ascendancy as much as continuing viewers feeling like they're watching a comeback.
Hangman's work this year doesn't need any qualifiers or exemptions. One of the best runs of all time.
The fact that casual viewers were all in for him v Mox all year but internet nerds were confused by this storyline until DON is very funny btw. The clearest example of how the IWC has worked itself into satire and how WWE storytelling has made so many of us toxic. Everything is something else, and nothing is going to make you happy.