At AEW Worlds End 2025, Jon Moxley emerged as the new AEW Continental Champion after winning the Continental Classic. Days later, at AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash, Moxley successfully defended his title in an intense Eliminator bout, only to face an unforeseen standoff with two well-known WWE legends, capturing the attention of wrestling fans worldwide. The moment left speculation swirling around the champion’s future as he navigates both challengers and surprise adversaries.
High-Stakes Eliminator Match With The Don Callis Family’s Josh Alexander
On the latest episode of Dynamite, Jon Moxley stepped into the ring for a Continental Championship Eliminator against Josh Alexander, a prominent member of The Don Callis Family and former TNA superstar. The encounter quickly escalated, with both competitors unleashing a flurry of punishing moves. Alexander aimed to secure a future championship opportunity, while Moxley countered each offensive with his own forceful style, showcasing his reputation as “The Purveyor of Violence.”
The match saw hard blows and technical prowess exchanged between the two, gradually increasing in intensity as they fought throughout the ringside and inside the ring. After the opening ten minutes, neither competitor yielded, but by the fifteen-minute mark, Moxley’s stamina and striking ability gave him the advantage. He began landing fierce punches on Alexander, ultimately leaving his opponent bloodied and disoriented, even knocking off Alexander’s headgear in the process.
In a display of dominance, Moxley wrapped up the match with his signature bulldog choke, forcing Alexander to submit. With this win, he cemented his claim as a fighting AEW Continental Champion amid mounting challenges.
Surprise Appearance by MVP and Shelton Benjamin Raises New Questions
Celebrating his hard-fought victory, Moxley raised his championship in the ring, only to be interrupted by the unexpected entrance of Hurt Syndicate members MVP and Shelton Benjamin—two stars better known for their impact in WWE. Their arrival was especially stunning, as neither has frequently crossed paths with Moxley in an AEW setting. The three men exchanged a charged look from across the arena before Moxley exited through the crowd, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation over the surprising development.
Observant viewers noticed MVP whispering something to Benjamin as the segment ended, hinting at possible future intentions toward Moxley’s newly-won title. With Moxley now established as a dominant AEW Continental Champion, speculation is rife that the Hurt Syndicate may soon set their sights on the championship scene, adding new intrigue to the ongoing storylines surrounding the title.
Potential Impact on the AEW Championship Scene
The involvement of MVP and Shelton Benjamin introduces fresh uncertainty for the AEW Continental Championship division. If the Hurt Syndicate pursues a title challenge, the dynamic between former WWE stars and AEW’s top talent promises to intensify the competition. For Jon Moxley, defending his championship now extends beyond prevailing in the ring—he must also prepare for unexpected alliances and threats, both from within AEW and outside organizations. Wrestling fans are left eagerly anticipating how these new developments will unfold in the weeks ahead.
The Hurt Syndicate looks to have their eyes on @JonMoxley's AEW Continental Championship!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/bxcBcGepYW
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 1, 2026
