Jon Moxley has established himself as one of wrestling’s leading figures of this era, launching his career within WWE’s developmental systems, FCW and NXT. Debuting alongside Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns as The Shield in 2012, the trio made a significant impact on WWE’s main roster. After The Shield dissolved in 2014, each member evolved into major wrestling stars. Moxley, however, left WWE and became a foundational performer for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) following its inception in 2019, becoming a key attraction for the promotion.
While Moxley distanced himself from WWE, he maintained connections with prominent wrestling personalities. Throughout his AEW tenure, he has honored several WWE stars on multiple occasions through memorable tributes aired on AEW programming.
Third Tribute: Honoring Seth Rollins at WrestleDream 2025
Jon Moxley’s long association with Seth Rollins, his former Shield teammate, includes both collaboration and rivalry during their WWE days. Their relationship resurfaced notably at AEW’s WrestleDream 2025 event, where Moxley faced Darby Allin in a brutal “I Quit” match. In a pivotal moment, Moxley used a taser against Allin with assistance from Marina Shafir and then executed The Curb Stomp, Seth Rollins’ signature finishing move, to end the contest. This act served as a powerful tribute to Rollins, broadcast live on AEW television.
Second Tribute: A Subtle Nod to Randy Orton on AEW Dynamite
Moxley also acknowledged Randy Orton, another major WWE figure with whom he previously crossed paths as part of The Authority alongside The Shield. On the February 13, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite, Moxley teamed up with Claudio Castagnoli and PAC in a trios match against The Don Callis Family members Konosuke Takeshita, Mark Davis, and Josh Alexander. Near the match’s conclusion, Moxley delivered a cutter to Takeshita resembling Orton’s finisher, the RKO. This move acted as a discreet salute to WWE’s “Apex Predator” during the high-stakes bout.
Top Tribute: Remembering Seth Rollins at Full Gear 2025
At AEW’s Full Gear 2025 pay-per-view in November, Moxley paid another significant tribute to Seth Rollins. In a No Holds Barred match against Kyle O’Reilly, which ended a prolonged storyline tension, Moxley gained the advantage and seized the moment to execute the Curb Stomp finisher on O’Reilly. This performance marked Moxley’s adoption of Rollins’ finishing move as part of his own arsenal, appearing multiple times on AEW shows thereafter, reinforcing the homage to his former teammate.
The Meaning Behind Moxley’s WWE Homages in AEW
Jon Moxley’s tributes to Seth Rollins and Randy Orton demonstrate ongoing respect for key WWE figures who shaped his early career. These moments resonate deeply with fans aware of their shared history and highlight Moxley’s unique position bridging wrestling worlds. By incorporating these homages into high-profile AEW matches, Moxley acknowledges the significance of his past as he continues to influence professional wrestling’s present and future.
As AEW grows and Moxley remains a central figure, it is likely he will continue to reference impactful connections from his WWE tenure, keeping the legacy alive while pushing forward in the dynamic wrestling landscape.
Moxley with a nod to his Shield brethren Seth Rollins 😌 pic.twitter.com/7h1RCN9JmT
— #WeWantCody (@WeWantCody_) November 23, 2025
