Jon Moxley WWE run, under his former ring name Dean Ambrose, began in 2011 when he joined WWE’s developmental brand FCW. Over the course of nearly eight years, he became a significant figure on WWE’s main roster, most notably as part of The Shield alongside Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, before departing in 2019 to pursue new opportunities outside WWE.
Moxley’s journey with WWE started when he signed in 2011 and developed his skills at FCW, the company’s training ground at that time. He made his memorable main roster debut at Survivor Series in November 2012, teaming with Rollins and Reigns to form The Shield, a dominant faction that swiftly rose to prominence. The Shield became one of the most influential groups in WWE history, and its members steadily grew into top stars for the promotion.
Despite The Shield’s success, Jon Moxley’s individual career trajectory within WWE did not mirror the sustained heights of his stablemates. Creative frustrations and burnout ultimately led to his exit from the company in 2019. Upon leaving, Moxley reclaimed his former persona from the independent scene and debuted in All Elite Wrestling during their inaugural pay-per-view, Double or Nothing. Since then, he has become one of AEW’s most consistent and prominent talents, regularly appearing on their weekly shows and maintaining a strong fan following.

Notably, while Moxley was under contract with WWE for about 2,345 days, he has now been away from WWE for over 2,360 days, officially surpassing his tenure with the company. His WWE main roster run, which began on November 18, 2012 and ended on April 21, 2019 during The Shield’s farewell segment, stands as a significant chapter in his career but now contrasts with his ongoing success as Jon Moxley outside WWE.
Jon Moxley has openly discussed the challenges that pushed him to leave WWE, including his dissatisfaction with creative directions and mental exhaustion. These factors influenced his decision to reinvent himself in a different wrestling environment.
Upcoming Violent Showdown for Jon Moxley at AEW Pay-Per-View
Recently, Jon Moxley defeated Darby Allin in a high-stakes Coffin Match at AEW’s All Out event in Toronto. However, the night’s events did not conclude peacefully for Moxley, as Allin ambushed him backstage and even set him on fire, intensifying their rivalry. This ongoing feud escalated on the subsequent AEW Dynamite episode when Allin appeared wielding a flamethrower, challenging Moxley and his faction, The Death Riders, to an “I Quit” match at WrestleDream 2025.
Moxley accepted the challenge, officially confirming the intense bout for AEW’s next pay-per-view. This upcoming match promises to be a brutal confrontation, testing both competitors physically and mentally. With Moxley’s group regaining strength through the return of PAC and the addition of Daniel Garcia, anticipation builds around how this rivalry will conclude and whether Moxley can finally settle his differences with Allin.
The Impact of Jon Moxley’s Transition from WWE to AEW
Jon Moxley’s departure from WWE marked a significant turning point not only in his career but also in the wrestling landscape. His reinvention as an AEW star illustrates how wrestlers can find renewed success after leaving WWE’s confines. Moxley has become emblematic of the creative freedom and fresh opportunities that AEW offers established talents.
The contrast between Moxley’s WWE run and his current role highlights how important creative fulfillment is for wrestling performers. The frustrations he faced in WWE, as reflected in his eventual exit, resonate within the wrestling community, amplifying his legacy as someone who broke free to redefine himself.
Looking ahead, Moxley’s continued presence in AEW, along with high-profile matches such as the upcoming “I Quit” match against Darby Allin, ensures that his influence remains strong in professional wrestling. His journey serves as an example of resilience and adaptation in an industry where career paths are often unpredictable.
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— Peps🪭 (@Peps_Wrestling) October 5, 2025
