As AEW Dynamite celebrates its fifth anniversary on October 2, 2024, the journey from upstart wrestling promotion to global powerhouse has been nothing short of remarkable. When AEW first debuted, many questioned whether it could truly serve as a viable alternative to WWE or stand its ground against the global juggernaut. With marquee names like Chris Jericho, Cody Rhodes, and Dustin Rhodes anchoring the show, AEW sought to make a statement. But one man, who would come to define AEW’s grit and defiance, made his presence known at the very first pay-per-view in May 2019: Jon Moxley.
Moxley’s arrival at AEW’s debut show, Double or Nothing, in Las Vegas was a moment that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. Formerly known as Dean Ambrose in WWE, Moxley was a fan-favorite, and his sudden exit from WWE earlier that year left wrestling fans curious about his next move. As the inaugural AEW pay-per-view came to a close, Moxley stormed the ring, delivering a chaotic beatdown to Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and even the referee. He capped the moment by standing triumphantly atop a stack of poker chips, signaling that AEW was ready to take on the wrestling world—and that he would be one of its cornerstones.
From that night forward, Moxley became a fixture in AEW, not just as a top star but as a foundational pillar of the company. His journey has been a showcase of versatility—whether he’s playing the villain (heel) or the hero (babyface), Moxley has consistently taken center stage. More than any other talent, he has embodied the spirit of AEW: fierce independence, creativity, and a relentless desire to push boundaries.
While many wrestlers have come and gone in AEW’s five-year history, Moxley has remained steadfast. His loyalty to AEW and Tony Khan has been unwavering, even in the face of controversy and tumult within the company. When AEW was hit with roster changes and internal struggles, Moxley stayed true to his guns. He embraced the creative freedom AEW afforded him, taking his character in directions WWE never would have allowed. He has evolved into one of the most compelling, unfiltered performers in modern wrestling.
One of the clearest examples of Moxley’s loyalty came during the CM Punk debacle in 2022. When tensions behind the scenes were at their peak, and Moxley was scheduled to take time off, he canceled his vacation and stepped up for the company. It was during this period that Moxley played a pivotal role in elevating MJF as the new AEW World Champion, solidifying AEW’s future and ensuring the momentum continued, despite backstage issues.
Moxley’s dedication to AEW goes beyond just being a company man—he’s also pushed himself to the absolute limit in some of the most brutal and violent matches the promotion has ever seen. His matches have been as physically grueling as they have been emotionally charged, with Moxley delivering masterclass performances no matter the opponent or the storyline. Whether wrestling as a blood-soaked brawler or a calculating technician, Moxley is always compelling, always evolving.
In recent months, Moxley has once again found himself at the heart of AEW’s biggest storyline, this time in a shocking heel turn against his Blackpool Combat Club teammate Bryan Danielson. The betrayal sent shockwaves through AEW’s fanbase, further cementing Moxley’s ability to stay relevant and keep his character fresh. He refuses to settle into any one role, constantly reinventing himself to stay ahead of the curve in an industry where so many fade into repetition.
If there’s one thing that can be said about Moxley, it’s that he is undeniably AEW’s MVP. His loyalty to the company, his ability to maintain his creativity, and his willingness to push the boundaries of wrestling have made him indispensable. Even when he isn’t AEW World Champion or in the main event, Moxley ensures he remains a central figure in the company’s narrative. He has helped make AEW what it is today—a viable, thriving alternative to WWE.
With rumors swirling about the potential arrival of Shane McMahon to AEW and speculation about the future of its biggest stars, one thing remains certain: Jon Moxley will be at the center of it all, continuing to shape the future of AEW with his unyielding passion and commitment. As AEW enters its next chapter, Moxley will remain the heartbeat of the company, proving that no one can ever truly replace him. Five years on, he stands as a testament to AEW’s success and its bright future ahead.
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