Shortly after Jon Moxley defended his Continental Championship for the first time, fans were stunned when Lance Archer, a once-prominent AEW powerhouse, revived his rivalry by calling out Moxley for a future title match. The unexpected Jon Moxley Continental Championship challenge comes as Archer, now aligned with the Don Callis Family and absent from AEW television since October 2025, seeks to reclaim momentum from the sidelines.
Jon Moxley, known as the One True King, had just secured his Continental Championship at the Worlds End event. Days later, he successfully defended his title against Don Callis Family member Josh Alexander during the New Year‘s Smash edition of Dynamite, performing through visible pain as he limped on one leg throughout the match. His persistence paid off, cementing his title reign but immediately drawing the attention of others plotting their own challenges.
Immediately following Moxley’s victory, MVP and Shelton Benjamin confronted him, signaling the Hurt Syndicate’s intentions to target the new champion for the Continental title in the near future. However, the most direct challenge came from Lance Archer, who resurfaced online.
Archer’s Challenge Calls Back to Past Texas Death Match
After the match, Lance Archer took to social media to remind fans and AEW officials of his prior victory over Moxley. Archer notably defeated Moxley in a Texas Death Match in July 2021, a moment he drew upon to legitimize his renewed interest in championship gold. Archer made his intentions clear for 2026, suggesting a looming high-stakes clash.
“Fun fact @AEW. I BEAT Mox! Just saying. 2026,”
he wrote. – Lance Archer, Wrestler
The timing of Archer’s declaration took many fans by surprise, igniting speculation about when the two might compete again and how AEW will build this storyline after Archer’s extended absence.
Questions Surround Jon Moxley’s Position in the Death Riders
Beyond immediate title threats, rumors have swirled regarding Jon Moxley’s ongoing role in the Death Riders stable. With several losses throughout 2025, there has been conjecture that the former AEW World Champion could be ousted by the group. Notably, during his ascent to the Continental Championship, Moxley adopted a babyface persona, leaving some to wonder about possible internal conflicts.
Contradicting speculation, reports suggest AEW is not considering a straightforward betrayal storyline involving Moxley’s stable. Instead, insiders hint that any potential shake-up within the Death Riders may not unfold as expected.
“There are increasing voices in AEW that are of the belief that Jon Moxley is not planning that kind of conventional stable break-up. It’s unconfirmed on the AEW creative side that this is the case, but there are voices within the promotion that I’ve heard from that again, they are of the belief that it’s not going to play out in the way that the fans exactly expect, in the sense that they turn heel on Jon and take Jon out,”
the report said. – Self-Made Pro Report
As of now, Moxley’s place within the Death Riders seems secure, and all eyes are on who among the emerging challengers will force the next shakeup in AEW’s championship scene.
Impact of Renewed Rivalries on the Continental Championship Picture
With both the Hurt Syndicate and Lance Archer pressing for opportunities, the Jon Moxley Continental Championship challenge has become a focal point for AEW fans and wrestlers alike. Moxley’s resilience and growing list of rivals inject intensity and unpredictability into the championship landscape as the promotion heads into 2026. The return of once-overlooked competitors like Archer, combined with ongoing faction intrigue, promises to shape AEW narratives and test Moxley’s resolve as the One True King.
Fun fact @AEW
I BEAT Mox!
Just saying. 2026 pic.twitter.com/XcPFLhRazb
— The Murderhawk Monster Lance Archer (@LanceHoyt) January 1, 2026
