A WWE Hall of Famer has spoken candidly about Jon Moxley’s AEW matches, emphasizing their extreme level of violence. The discussion arose after the July 12 All In: Texas event, where ‘Hangman’ Adam Page defeated Moxley in a brutal and bloody Texas Deathmatch to claim his second AEW World Championship. The intense nature of Jon Moxley AEW violent matches has sparked concern among wrestling families, notably from Brie Bella, a Hall of Famer and wife of AEW star Bryan Danielson.
Appearing together on the Nikki and Brie Show, Bryan Danielson and Brie Bella discussed the violent content of Moxley’s bouts, with Bella making it clear she does not allow their children to watch any of Moxley’s matches due to their graphic nature.
“I don’t let our kids watch anything Moxley does because I know it will be so violent.”
—Brie Bella, WWE Hall of Famer
During the conversation, the couple also revealed how they handle the depiction of blood in professional wrestling for their children. They explained that to protect their kids from the harsh realities of violent matches, they pass off the blood as ketchup, creating a harmless narrative around a typically graphic aspect of wrestling.
“[Bryan Danielson] Wait a second. You are the one who turned [on the television] when I wrestled Ricky Starks in that Strap Match.
[Brie Bella] Until I started watching, and then I turned it off.
[Danielson] But you knew it was a Strap Match. If you guys don’t know what a Strap Match is, you are connected with a leather strap, and then you whip each other with the strap. And then she just let our kids watch kind of leading all over the place and then she tells them it’s ketchup, and now we’ve had we have to perpetuate that lie until the end of time.
[Bella] Now Birdie [their daughter] is like, ‘Are they squirting ketchup everywhere?'”
—Bryan Danielson, AEW Star and Brie Bella, WWE Hall of Famer
Context of Extreme Violence in Jon Moxley’s Matches and Family Concerns
The violent nature of Jon Moxley AEW violent matches is not new but has been a consistent point of discussion, especially since his bouts often include hardcore elements like blood and weapon use. The Texas Deathmatch at All In: Texas exemplified this, with brutal hand-to-hand combat culminating in heavy bloodshed and injuries, which viewers and families alike found difficult to watch. Such matches showcase a style of wrestling that is intense and graphic, far beyond the typical pro-wrestling spectacle.
Last year, at WrestleDream 2024, Jon Moxley secured the World Title by defeating Bryan Danielson in what marked Danielson’s final wrestling match thus far. This victory added to Moxley’s reputation for hard-hitting and visceral contests that continually push the envelope in terms of in-ring violence.
Bryan Danielson Reflects on WWE’s Restrictions Regarding His Signature ‘Yes!’ Chant
Aside from discussing family and violence in wrestling, Bryan Danielson also touched on his complicated relationship with WWE following his 2021 departure. One particular point of contention has been WWE’s disallowance of Danielson performing his iconic ‘Yes!’ chant at AEW events, including All In: Texas. WWE reportedly cautioned him not to use the chant, leading to tensions about his freedom to express his wrestling persona outside WWE.
At a recent Starrcast appearance, Danielson spoke openly about receiving messages from WWE related to his use of the chant and the gestures associated with it. While he clarified the messages fell short of legal threats, the communication hinted at limits on his performance rights.
“I think it’s odd, I just got a text message yesterday… I wouldn’t say threatening legal action. But, like, ‘Hey, you know if you…’ I’m not somebody who tends to criticize people. Everybody has their different values, and they have their own values. They’re just different from mine and that’s fine.
Yeah, yeah [I knew there was no way to stop the ‘Yes!’ chant when I got to AEW] … And it’s also something like, am I not allowed to raise my fingers in the air? When I do it, nobody notices but I never say ‘Yes!’ when I do it. I always just do this [raises his fingers in the air] and the people — so am I not allowed to do that? I don’t know. This is getting really into the weeds of stuff that is not super interesting or fun to talk about for me, and I also don’t wanna get myself or anybody else in trouble.”
—Bryan Danielson, AEW Star
Implications for Wrestling Fans and Family Viewership
The warnings from a respected WWE Hall of Famer like Brie Bella about Jon Moxley’s AEW matches underline the growing concern over the violent content present in modern professional wrestling, particularly within AEW’s more hardcore style. Parents like Bella are forced to create alternative explanations, such as blaming blood for ketchup, to shield their children from the reality of the matches.
These revelations not only highlight the sharp contrast between family-friendly wrestling and the adult-oriented brutality showcased on AEW programs but also raise questions about appropriate audience targeting and content warnings. Fans of Moxley’s style appreciate the authenticity and raw emotion he brings to the ring, but this comes with violence that can be unsettling to younger viewers and families.
Moving forward, this stance might encourage wrestling promotions to further consider how they present extreme violence and its accessibility to younger audiences. For parents and fans alike, understanding the risks tied to such intense matches is vital, influencing how families engage with wrestling entertainment.
