Jon Moxley’s reign as AEW World Champion came to an end at All In: Texas when Hangman Page forced him to tap out in a brutal Texas Deathmatch. This high-stakes bout is regarded as one of AEW’s most significant matches, featuring interference from notable figures such as the Death Riders, Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, Darby Allin, and Bryan Danielson. The intense battle tested both competitors to their limits, with Page ultimately overcoming Moxley to claim the AEW World Title.
The Death Riders’ Role and Future Prospects
Throughout the Texas Deathmatch, Moxley’s faction, the Death Riders—consisting of Claudio Castagnoli, Marina Shafir, Wheeler Yuta, and Gabe Kidd—attempted to sway the outcome by fending off Page’s allies. Although these efforts were unsuccessful, the faction is expected to remain active, potentially undergoing changes to bolster its dominance. One speculation involves the addition of Jack Perry, known as The Scapegoat, who last appeared following his TNT Championship loss to Daniel Garcia earlier in 2024.
Jack Perry’s history as a controversial heel in AEW positions him as a candidate for bolstering the Death Riders’ ranks. His possible defection from The Elite and alliance with Moxley’s faction could intensify the group’s influence, helping to further Moxley’s mission to dismantle complacency within AEW.
Potential Shifts Within the Death Riders and Moxley’s Leadership
Moxley’s defeat could prompt significant shifts in his role within the Death Riders. There are rumors that Claudio Castagnoli might challenge Moxley’s leadership, possibly leading to a betrayal that sidelines Moxley temporarily. Such a storyline would echo Moxley’s previous tactics, where he ended careers through harsh attacks. This development would pave the way for a dramatic comeback, with Moxley potentially returning as a fan-favorite alongside Eddie Kingston, who has been absent from action since May 2024.
The possibility of Moxley revisiting his babyface roots and confronting his former allies could create a long-running feud culminating in the destruction of the faction he helped create.
Moxley’s Impact as AEW World Champion and Next Objectives
Jon Moxley’s fourth AEW World Championship reign was marked by his merciless style, elevating the quality of AEW programming and challenging his opponents to realize their full potential. While his tactics were often ruthless, Moxley’s influence encouraged a more intense, competitive atmosphere. With his mission largely fulfilled, he might seek fresh challenges both inside and outside of AEW.
The Possibility of Jon Moxley’s WWE Return to Reform The Shield
A notable potential trajectory for Moxley is a return to WWE, where he could reunite with former Shield members Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins to revive one of modern wrestling’s most favorite factions. With Rollins sidelined due to a knee injury and Reigns absent for several months, a reunion could mark a major event in wrestling history, generating widespread excitement among fans of the Stamford-based promotion.
Reigniting Rivalries: Darby Allin’s Role in Moxley’s Future
Before his title victory, Jon Moxley earned the No. 1 contender spot by defeating Darby Allin in September 2024, later dethroning Bryan Danielson at WrestleDream 2024. Following the title transfer, Moxley and Allin maintained an ongoing rivalry, compounded by attacks from the Death Riders that kept Allin off AEW programming for seven months. At All In: Texas, Allin’s dramatic interference from the rafters directly influenced Moxley’s defeat, reigniting tensions between the two.
In response to this loss, Moxley may focus on a renewed feud with Allin, with their rivalry expected to culminate at All Out 2025. This clash could provide Allin an opportunity for redemption against the formidable Purveyor of Violence.
Possible Renewed Feud with Bryan Danielson
Jon Moxley’s victory over Bryan Danielson at WrestleDream 2024 marked a turning point for both competitors’ careers, with Danielson retreating from AEW until his surprise return at All In: Texas. There, Danielson took out several members of the Death Riders, signaling that a new chapter between him and Moxley might be about to unfold. However, Danielson has reportedly set firm terms for a rematch, requiring Moxley to put his career at stake, which would make for an intense and dramatic singles contest at a future pay-per-view.
This potential match could serve as a near career-defining moment for both, with Danielson possibly gaining redemption through a grueling war that leaves a lasting impact on Moxley.
Significance and What Lies Ahead for Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley’s recent loss at All In: Texas signals a major shift not only for his character but also for AEW’s broader wrestling landscape. Whether he remains in AEW to continue feuds with rising stars like Darby Allin, faces past adversaries like Bryan Danielson, or elects to return to WWE to reunite The Shield, each path holds significant narrative potential. Moxley’s influence has left a lasting mark on AEW, and his next moves could reshape professional wrestling storylines for months to come.
