As Jon Moxley’s hold as AEW’s top heel continues following his character shift and reign as The Death Riders’ leader, questions arise regarding who could fill the role when his time at the top ends. The discussion on Jon Moxley AEW top heel replacement gains traction, with several notable contenders being considered to succeed him.
The Transformation of Jon Moxley and the Search for a New Villain
Jon Moxley returned to All Elite Wrestling in the fall of 2024, marking a dramatic change in his persona as he turned heel and assumed leadership of The Death Riders. His new direction was solidified after a dominant victory over Bryan Danielson at WrestleDream, where Moxley seized the AEW World Championship. Since then, he has retained the championship, keeping it locked away in a briefcase and holding onto the title for nine months.
As Moxley’s reign approaches its conclusion, AEW is expected to identify a new superstar who can embody the company‘s top antagonist role. This transition is crucial for maintaining the promotion’s dynamic rivalries and storylines. Several wrestlers are now in the spotlight as potential candidates for this influential position.
Eight Wrestlers in Contention to Succeed Jon Moxley
Among those being discussed as possible replacements for Moxley is Maxwell Jacob Friedman, widely known by his ring name, MJF. Before Moxley’s ascent, MJF was recognized as AEW’s top heel, making a name for himself when he betrayed Cody Rhodes in 2019. His time as the company’s main villain lasted until he shifted to a babyface during his record-breaking 406-day reign as AEW World Champion.
MJF reverted to his villainous roots in the summer of 2024, notably during his feuds with Daniel Garcia and Will Ospreay. He publicly expressed his ambition to regain the AEW World Title, also known as the Triple B, and has since aligned himself with The Hurt Syndicate, signaling his determination to reclaim the top spot.
With these developments, MJF stands out as a strong contender, whether he captures the championship directly from Moxley or from a future champion who dethrones The Death Riders’ leader. His return to a heel persona suggests he may once again become the central antagonist in All Elite Wrestling.
What the Future Holds for AEW’s Main Event Scene
The eventual replacement of Jon Moxley as AEW’s top heel is expected to have a significant impact on the company’s main event picture. A transition in villainous leadership will influence ongoing storylines and the overall direction of the promotion. As AEW management consider wrestlers like MJF and others for this important role, fans and insiders alike are watching closely to see who will shape the next chapter of AEW history.
