Jon Moxley is currently facing scrutiny over his reign as the AEW World Champion, amid contrasting opinions from fans about his worthiness compared to other wrestling stars. With many rock-solid competitors eyeing the title, the conversations surrounding Moxley's championship reign have heated up, especially following his recent matches where he successfully defended his title.
Moxley clinched the AEW World Championship on October 2024, defeating The American Dragon Bryan Danielson at the WrestleDream pay-per-view. The victory was significant, placing him back at the top of the AEW hierarchy. Since then, he has defended his championship twice: at AEW Full Gear 2024 against Orange Cassidy and again at AEW Worlds End 2024, where Moxley faced Cassidy, Adam Page, and Jay White.
While many acknowledge Moxley’s skill and contributions to the company, others argue his title run might be overshadowing other deserving stars like Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, and Hangman Page. One fan expressed their opinion on the social media platform X, stating, "Tbh I don't think Mox needed a 4th title reign but yeaa godly roster being wasted ;w;". This sentiment resonates with several others, who believe AEW boasts of talent capable of carrying the championship to new heights.
Supporters of Moxley point out his extensive efforts over the years to build AEW, culminating in his current reign. They argue he has put significant work behind the scenes and on-screen, lifting the profiles of the promotion and other wrestlers. One supporter echoed this by stating, "People are quick to dismiss how much Moxley did for the company because of one bad storyline? Come on guys." This division among fans showcases how Moxley’s title reign is being interpreted very differently within the wrestling community.
The topic of Moxley’s championship isn’t merely confined to fan conversations but has drawn attention at AEW events as well. During Monday night’s WWE RAW, Michael Cole made reference to Dean Ambrose, Moxley’s previous wrestling persona, raising discussions around his career and current standing as the AEW World Champion.
Fan reactions have been swift and varied. While some insist he should relinquish the title for fresh faces, reminders of Moxley’s contributions to the wrestling scene remain prevalent. One individual pointed out, "Don't do that's ... but 100% these men are your top tier. All these men and Darby need a run," emphasizing their belief in various talents deserving opportunities at the forefront.
Despite the criticism, Moxley remains unfazed, focusing on his upcoming matches and the opportunity to solidify his name as one of the greats. His title reign is pivotal, not only for his career but also for the shape of the AEW championship picture moving forward. Other wrestlers, like Swerve Strickland, are eager to establish credibility by challenging Moxley, setting the stage for potential exciting rivalries.
It’s clear the wrestling world is at a crossroads, with Jon Moxley’s championship reign acting as both the center of debates and the launchpad for new storylines. The split opinions elucidate the depth of engagement within the AEW fan base, as they rally around their favorites, advocating for both Moxley and his rivals. The outcome of these discussions will likely resonate throughout AEW events, shaping narratives and rivalries for the upcoming year.