This week’s AEW Dynamite features Jon Moxley, the current AEW Continental Champion, facing off against Shelton Benjamin in a much-anticipated singles match. The outcome of this encounter, although not for the title, has raised questions about the future of Jon Moxley AEW Continental Champion within the Death Riders faction and the championship landscape.
The Death Riders’ Reputation and Moxley’s Leadership
The Death Riders are recognized as a dominant force in professional wrestling, with Jon Moxley at the helm. Alongside him in the group are Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, Pac, and Wheeler Yuta. Since claiming the AEW Continental Champion title by defeating Kazuchika Okada at the Worlds End event, Moxley has continued to maintain his aggressive image as leader of the faction.
Upcoming Dynamite Match: Moxley vs. Shelton Benjamin
On the upcoming episode of Dynamite, Moxley faces Shelton Benjamin from the Hurt Syndicate. Although the match will not put the championship on the line, its novelty lies in the fact that these two competitors have never faced each other before. Fans are eager to see how the Purveyor of Violence measures up against the Standard of Excellence, which could spark new rivalries and unforeseen consequences within AEW.
Speculation Surrounding a Potential Title Change
While Moxley is expected to triumph over Shelton Benjamin, insiders suggest that this match might serve as a precursor for Bobby Lashley’s return. Lashley, recovering from injury, is another prominent member of the Hurt Syndicate and is rumored to be targeting Moxley’s AEW Continental Champion title. If Lashley manages to dethrone Moxley, some believe this could lead to a major shift—potentially Moxley’s removal from the Death Riders and Lashley becoming their newest recruit. However, these are speculative scenarios fueled by recent storylines and nothing has been officially confirmed.
Changes in Moxley’s Persona After Winning Championship
Jon Moxley, long regarded as a heel, appeared to shift his persona after his victory at Worlds End. Following his win, he addressed the audience and AEW roster in a way that suggested a transition toward a more heroic role. In his words:
“Everybody in AEW who shows up every single f****** day and gives everything they have. I will continue, we will continue to give every single bit of effort we have in our bones every single day because there is no other organization in professional wrestling like All Elite Wrestling,” he said.
– Jon Moxley, AEW Continental Champion
This heartfelt message was widely interpreted as a sign of respect for both the company and its fans, sparking excitement among those hoping for a memorable reign by Moxley as a face.
What Lies Ahead for the Champion and His Faction?
As speculation continues about his title security and role within the Death Riders, Jon Moxley heads into the matchup with Shelton Benjamin holding both momentum and uncertainty. Whether Bobby Lashley challenges for the title or the faction realigns its membership, the future of the AEW Continental Champion and his position in the group remains unclear. Fans and peers alike will be closely watching Moxley’s next moves and the evolving alliances that define All Elite Wrestling’s current storylines.
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This Wednesday, 1/7!AEW Continental Title Eliminator@JonMoxley vs @SheltyB803
After Shelton confronted Mox, they will fight 1-on-1 in a Continental Eliminator:
Moxley vs Benjamin for the first time ever,
THIS WEDNESDAY! pic.twitter.com/0R0tOq7ARl— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 4, 2026
