In the world of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the spotlight is once again on Jon Moxley as his World Championship reign faces mounting criticism. Following his controversial title defense at the recent Dynasty event, discussions around the need for a change at the top of the promotion have intensified.
Moxley, who has held the AEW World Championship for a significant period, managed to retain his title against rising star Swerve Strickland during the main event at Dynasty. However, the match's outcome was marred by interference from The Young Bucks, who made their return to AEW after a six-month hiatus. Their involvement not only secured Moxley’s victory but also sparked a wave of discontent among fans who were hoping for a fresh champion.
Matt Hardy, a former AEW star, weighed in on the situation during a recent episode of his podcast, "Extreme Life of Matt Hardy." Recorded prior to the Dynasty event, Hardy expressed his belief that it is time for AEW to crown a new champion. "I think AEW needs a new champion. I think they need to have a fresh start in going in a new direction," he stated. Hardy's sentiments reflect a growing sentiment among fans and critics alike that Moxley’s current storyline, dubbed the Death Riders, has lost its momentum.
Hardy further elaborated on his thoughts about Swerve Strickland, suggesting that he would have no issue with the challenger taking the title from Moxley. "I just think they need to make a decision, and I think they need someone to win the title soon and have something in mind for what sort of story they want to tell around whoever it is, and have something to run with for a few months," he said. This call for a narrative shift comes as the Death Riders storyline, which initially captivated audiences, has started to feel stale.
In the aftermath of the Dynasty event, reactions from the wrestling community have been overwhelmingly critical. Many fans took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the match's conclusion and the creative direction of Moxley’s reign. The backlash prompted AEW owner Tony Khan to address the criticism during the post-show press conference. Khan defended his booking decisions, reiterating his confidence in Moxley as the champion despite the growing dissent.
As the wrestling landscape continues to shift, the question remains: how long can Moxley hold onto the title amidst rising calls for change? Strickland, whose popularity has surged in recent months, was seen by many as the perfect candidate to dethrone Moxley. However, with the Young Bucks' interference, the match ended with a largely negative reaction from the audience, further complicating the narrative.
In the wake of the event, Swerve Strickland did not shy away from stirring the pot. Following the match, he continued to engage in a heated feud with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, making headlines with his provocative comments. Strickland's post-show promo included the expletive-laden remark, "F*ck Booker T," which drew both criticism and intrigue from fans and commentators alike. In response, Booker T remarked that Strickland's comments were a mistake, suggesting they detracted from the focus on AEW.
The ongoing saga surrounding Moxley’s championship reign and the potential for a new champion has undoubtedly captured the attention of wrestling fans. With Hardy’s comments echoing the sentiments of many, it seems the call for a fresh direction in AEW is gaining traction. As the promotion looks ahead, the question of who will ultimately step up to challenge Moxley remains at the forefront of discussions.
As it stands, Moxley remains the AEW World Champion, but with the growing chorus for change, his reign may soon come under further scrutiny. The dynamics of the championship picture could shift dramatically in the coming weeks, especially if AEW decides to heed the calls for a new champion and a new story to tell.
In conclusion, while Jon Moxley has proven to be a formidable champion, the wrestling world is eager for a narrative refresh. With stars like Swerve Strickland waiting in the wings, the future of the AEW World Championship could be on the verge of an exciting transformation.
