Jon Moxley secured the AEW Continental Championship by defeating Kazuchika Okada in the Continental Classic finals at AEW Worlds End 2025 in Now Arena, a moment that drew a remarkable response from the fans. Despite his ongoing portrayal as a top heel, the crowd gave Moxley a thunderous ovation, highlighting the deep respect and passion that wrestling fans hold for him and setting the stage for further drama in AEW.
Moxley’s victory capped off a year filled with both triumphs and challenges, earning him the title after consistently taking down some of AEW’s most beloved stars, such as Hangman Page and Darby Allin. His win in the Continental Classic not only reinforced his reputation as “The Purveyor of Violence” but also demonstrated the powerful connection he has with the audience, regardless of his onscreen alignment. The response from the crowd showcased that even when Moxley stands as the villain, admiration from fans transcends traditional roles in wrestling storylines.
Tony Khan Reacts to Moxley’s Reception and Fan Dynamics
In the wake of Moxley’s celebrated win, AEW President Tony Khan addressed the enthusiastic reaction from fans during the AEW Worlds End Media Scrum. Khan shared his perspective on why fans cheered so loudly for a character positioned as a villain, underlining the complexity of wrestling fandom.
During the post-event discussions, Khan noted that he was not caught off guard by the audience’s reaction. He stressed that within pro wrestling, the distinction between heel and babyface is an integral part of the business. However, he believes genuine respect for a wrestler’s achievements and dedication reaches beyond scripted roles, driving organic support from the crowd.
“No, I was not surprised. Maybe it’s because, as wrestling fans, what’s great about wrestling is that if I asked everyone in here to name their top 20 wrestlers, we’d all have different answers. You’d get a few names appearing on multiple lists for sure, but overall you’d get very different responses. At the same time, there are common instincts that bring a crowd together, people connect because they share those instincts. As a fan, I felt like that was how people would probably react,”
said Khan. – Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan’s comments highlighted how shared instincts among fans can unite even diverse audiences, leading to collective moments of appreciation, regardless of a wrestler’s alignment or recent storylines.
Moxley’s Accomplishments Spotlighted by Tony Khan
Jon Moxley’s impact on AEW has been significant since the organization’s earliest days. The former WWE star, also known as “The Death Rider,” has switched between villain and hero roles, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in modern pro wrestling. After his title win at Worlds End, Tony Khan offered high praise for Moxley’s illustrious career, shedding light on his historic achievements in the sport.
In the same media scrum, Khan stated that Moxley stands out as one of the top talents in the industry due to his decorated record across major wrestling organizations. Moxley’s list of accolades includes championships in AEW, WWE, and New Japan Pro Wrestling, demonstrating a rare level of accomplishment and versatility on the global stage.
“Jon Moxley is such a decorated world champion. He’s been the world champion here four times, and I believe six times across the world of wrestling. He’s the only man to have ever held the AEW World Championship, the WWE World Championship, and the IWGP World Championship. He’s also been the International Champion, and this marks the first time he’s been the Continental Champion,”
said Khan. – Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan’s remarks underline why fans, regardless of storyline, are eager to celebrate Moxley’s successes. Earning the Continental Championship further cements Moxley’s legacy, and his run promises to be one of the most compelling aspects of AEW’s future programming.
What Lies Ahead for Jon Moxley’s Reign
With his newest title secured, Jon Moxley enters a fresh chapter in AEW as the Continental Champion. The wrestling world now turns its attention to who his first challenger might be and how his reign will shape upcoming storylines. Fans and commentators alike are keen to see which rising star or established name will step up, continuing the intense and passionate atmosphere that has defined AEW in recent years.
The enthusiastic support for Moxley at AEW Worlds End—and Tony Khan’s recognition of that support—reflect the deep bond between performers and audiences in professional wrestling. Moxley’s ability to captivate fans, no matter his role, ensures that his championship journey will remain a focal point for AEW and its passionate community.
