Jon Moxley, current AEW Continental Champion, called out veteran wrestler Shelton Benjamin shortly after successfully defending his title at Dynamite: New Year’s Bash. The tense interaction sets the stage for an anticipated Jon Moxley vs Shelton Benjamin contest, following Benjamin’s surprise appearance after Moxley’s match.
Earlier, Moxley emerged as the AEW Continental Champion after defeating Kazuchika Okada at the Continental Classic Tournament finals during AEW Worlds End. His victory marked a high point, but celebrations were brief. Moxley defended his newly earned title at the next episode of Dynamite, where he overcame Josh Alexander despite dealing with visible injuries. Moments after his win, Moxley’s time in the spotlight was interrupted by MVP and ten-time WWE champion Shelton Benjamin, both returning members of the Hurt Syndicate.
Shelton Benjamin, a celebrated former WWE Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion, last competed at Full Gear 2025 before returning to AEW. His presence, accompanied by MVP, quickly signaled intent to challenge Moxley and place himself in contention for the Continental Championship. Moxley responded with resolve, addressing Benjamin directly in a backstage segment and making it clear he’s ready for the challenge.
“Yo! Shelton Benjamin, and the people who hurt people. My guys, y’all ain’t gotta come out here looking at me like you feel some way, I’m easy to find, ending the year right where I started it, at the top. This year, next year, and any year, we are setting the standard,” said Moxley (0:01 – 0:27)
Expert Analysis Points to Internal Struggle Within The Death Riders
Wrestling analyst Sam Roberts featured Jon Moxley’s rising tensions during his Notsam Wrestling show, dissecting the champion’s recent accomplishments and attitude. Roberts noted that after Moxley’s victory at Worlds End, his post-match remarks praised AEW’s roster and hinted at a shift in his persona towards a more fan-pleasing role. This evolution could impact the future of his group, the Death Riders.
“Well, now maybe you have to look around and realise that they are going to turn on you. This whole time, we were thinking someone had to be the one to stop Mox and the Death Riders, but what if Mox is the one?” said Roberts
Roberts’ comments suggest that the group’s future may be uncertain, with Moxley himself potentially choosing to step away from or end the Death Riders faction. As AEW heads into a new year, this internal conflict and the looming Jon Moxley vs Shelton Benjamin confrontation bring intrigue and unpredictability to the promotion’s landscape.
Fans and observers will be watching closely as Moxley, a central figure in AEW and a former leader within his group, faces new threats from established stars like Shelton Benjamin. The developing saga between these titans, alongside speculation around the future of the Death Riders, means the AEW Continental Championship scene remains intense and full of unexpected turns.
No words wasted. No apologies.
Death Riders against the world! pic.twitter.com/2pVYkaJVX6— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 1, 2026
