The AEW Continental Champion, Jon Moxley, formerly known as Dean Ambrose, was unexpectedly mentioned by WWE after the recent retirement of AJ Styles. WWE, headquartered in Stamford, included Moxley in a commemorative video celebrating Styles’ career within the company.
Before moving to AEW and establishing himself as a major star there, Jon Moxley spent over eight years at WWE, where he once held the World Championship. His history with AJ Styles includes a notable rivalry from 2016, which remains a highlight for fans of that era.
The “Phenomenal One” ended his in-ring career following a high-stakes match against Gunther at Royal Rumble 2026, where his career was on the line. To honor AJ Styles’ decade in WWE, the promotion released a video titled 25 phenomenal AJ Styles moments, featuring key highlights from his time, including his first WWE Championship victory.
The top moment showcased in the tribute was Styles’ win over Dean Ambrose at Backlash 2016, where he claimed the WWE Championship for the first time. Jon Moxley appears at approximately 16 minutes and 26 seconds into the video, marking a respectful nod to his influential past in WWE despite his current AEW status.
Insights on a Possible Shield Reunion and Ambrose’s WWE Future
Seth Rollins, a leading figure in WWE and former Shield member, recently addressed the chances of a Shield reunion involving Jon Moxley/Dean Ambrose. In an interview with GQ, Rollins expressed doubt about Moxley’s return to WWE, citing the former star’s current absence from the company.
“Not a lot of love lost between myself and Roman Reigns. Dean Ambrose, Jon Moxley, not currently with the company. Don’t know if he’s ever coming back. I would say chances are very slim. Maybe one day there’ll be a Hall of Fame induction where all three of us will be in the same place at the same time. I would say we’re looking at like a real [slim chance]. Maybe Kurt Angle has a better chance,” Rollins said.
Besides commenting on the low likelihood of a reunion, Rollins suggested the possibility that all three Shield members might reunite during a WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in the future, marking an important moment for fans and the wrestling community.
The Importance of WWE’s Recognition of Jon Moxley
WWE’s inclusion of Jon Moxley in their tribute to AJ Styles highlights the lasting impact of his tenure in the company despite his departure. By acknowledging his history and rivalry with AJ Styles, WWE bridges his past contributions with his current status as an AEW champion. This gesture may serve to maintain fan interest across promotions and reflects the complexities of wrestler affiliations in today’s industry.
Looking ahead, while a Shield reunion appears unlikely, WWE’s recognition of Moxley’s legacy may keep open avenues for future interactions, either through special appearances or Hall of Fame events. For fans, these references keep the history of WWE alive as veterans like Jon Moxley continue building their careers elsewhere.
