Following Jon Moxley’s loss of the AEW World Championship to Hangman Adam Page at AEW All In Texas, speculation has grown around who could succeed him as a top heel in AEW. Known for his unpredictable and intense performances, Moxley’s recent actions, including a violent steel cage match at AEW Forbidden Door where he attacked Darby Allin with a fork, have kept him at the forefront of AEW storylines.
With the need for a fresh generation of compelling villains in AEW, here are seven possible Jon Moxley AEW replacement candidates poised to fill the void and maintain the promotion’s thrilling edge.
Potential Successors to Jon Moxley’s AEW Role
Among the candidates, Eddie Kingston stands out as a frontrunner. Kingston has been absent from action since May 2024 due to injury, but fans eagerly anticipate his comeback. Known for his tough, no-nonsense approach and raw charisma, Kingston’s return could mark a significant shift in his character, possibly incorporating the struggles from his recovery into a gripping narrative that explores his mental state and resilience.
This storyline could allow Kingston to make a powerful and emotional return, culminating in a dramatic arc where he rises to prominence and then challenges the loyalty of fans, much like the role Moxley has played.
Other Leading Contenders in AEW’s Villain Landscape
While Eddie Kingston’s potential is clear, AEW is rich with talent capable of adopting a major heel role. The company’s evolving roster provides multiple options for elevating wrestlers who can deliver intense performances and engage audiences with complex personas.
As Jon Moxley’s chapter in AEW continues to evolve, these candidates could shape the future of AEW’s storytelling, ensuring that the promotion maintains a strong, compelling villain presence that drives major storylines.
The transition to a new primary heel will be crucial in keeping AEW’s momentum, as fans look forward to how these wrestlers rise to the challenge and redefine what it means to be the central antagonist in the company.
