5 ways AEW can get Jon Moxley back after reportedly granting him a break
Jon Moxley is currently absent from AEW television. The Purveyor of Violence last wrestled at AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door 2024, where he lost his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Tetsuya Naito.
Fans are speculating about Jon Moxley's next move, wondering when he would return to the AEW programming.
The Deathrider seems to have taken a backseat in AEW as of late. He has mostly been active in NJPW and other promotions this year. While Moxley has continued to wrestle in the Jacksonville-based promotion, he has not been a part of a major storyline since the conclusion of The Continental Classic.
As AEW prepares for an exciting summer, Jon Moxley would look to shift his focus back onto the Tony Khan-led company. While he is currently on an indefinite hiatus, it won't be long before the Ace of AEW returns to hunt down his opponents.
Here's a look at five ways AEW could bring back Jon Moxley:
#5. The Purveyor of Violence feuds with Claudio Castagnoli
Claudio Castagnoli could be an interesting opponent for Jon Moxley once the latter returns from his hiatus. Since losing the ROH World Championship, The Swiss Superman has appeared as the weak link in the Blackpool Combat Club.
The King of Swing has come up short in many important matches of late, which has affected his credibility within the group. Castagnoli recently failed to win the Royal Rampage match, falling short of a guaranteed shot at the AEW World Championship.
The former WWE United States Champion could vent his frustrations on Jon Moxley. The King of Swing could annihilate The Deathrider upon the latter's return, essentially cutting his ties with the BCC. The betrayal will set up an intense rivalry between the two stablemates, who have also previously squared off in WWE.
Known for his hot-headed personality, The Purveyor of Violence would surely make Castagnoli pay for turning his back. The feud will also provide the erstwhile Cesaro a great opportunity to elevate his AEW career and break into the main event picture.
#4. Jon Moxley turns heel, costs Bryan Danielson the AEW World Championship match at All In
Jon Moxley is one of the biggest babyfaces in the history of All Elite Wrestling. However, the erstwhile Dean Ambrose started his stint in the company as a heel by destroying Kenny Omega at Double or Nothing 2019.
The former AEW World Champion could undergo a character shift once he returns from absence. The Deathrider could return to his heel roots upon his return by setting his sights on Bryan Danielson.
While Danielson and Moxley have faced each other in the past, they have yet to engage in a full-fledged rivalry. The situation could change at All In 2024, where Moxley could backstab his fellow stablemate, preventing The American Dragon from fulfilling his AEW World Championship desires.
A heel turn could help Moxley freshen up his onscreen persona. Fans will be taken aback by his sudden betrayal, as there have been no signs of a rift between the two BCC leaders.
It would result in a long-term rivalry between Moxley and Danielson, who is set to be a part-time performer after All In.
#3. The Blackpool Combat Club goes after the AEW World Trios Championship
With Bryan Danielson currently focusing on the AEW World Championship, Jon Moxley could lead the rest of the Blackpool Combat Club to success in the Trios division. Despite being one of the most dominant groups in AEW history, the faction has no Tag Team or Trios Championship under its belt.
Once The Deathrider returns, the trio of Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta could set their sights on The Patriarchy's World Trios Championship. At the moment, Captain Charisma's group is being targeted by the House of Black and The Bang Bang Gang, who want to recapture the title.
The Blackpool Combat Club could add more spice to the Trios division by calling their shot for The Patriarchy's title. It will be an intriguing direction for Jon Moxley, who is yet to hold any team gold in All Elite Wrestling.
#2. Jon Moxley hosts an open challenge for his next challenger
Tony Khan would want to keep Jon Moxley's return a surprise. The former Shield member would look to stay on the sidelines for a while before he eventually makes his comeback to the squared circle.
Moxley could make a shocking return and announce an open challenge, which could be answered by a debuting star. From Ricochet to Dijak, there are many hot free agents in the market who are expected to head to AEW shortly.
Any one of these many exciting free agents could make their AEW debut by accepting Jon Moxley's open challenge. While it is unlikely that Moxley would lose his first match back from his hiatus, the encounter would serve as a solid headstart for his opponent in Tony Khan's company.
#1. The Deathrider feuds with a returning Ricky Starks
Ricky Starks last wrestled on AEW programming in March 2024. Since then, The Absolute One has remained off television, with the creative team having no plans for his return.
In a recent interview, Tony Khan hailed Ricky Starks as a reliable asset to AEW, hoping to feature him on television more frequently. If Khan does have big plans for The Stroke Daddy, he should pit the latter against Jon Moxley upon his return.
A feud with The Deathrider will certainly elevate Starks to the next level, kickstarting his ascent to the top of the men's division. It will also be a great singles rivalry for Moxley, who will get his limits tested against a mastermind like Ricky Starks.