The Controversial Reign of Jon Moxley
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At AEW Dynasty, Jon Moxley successfully retained the AEW World Championship against Swerve Strickland in a hard-fought main event. But rather than ending the night in celebration, the result sparked a wave of backlash across social media—especially on X—as fans voiced their frustration not only with Moxley’s win but also with the current state of AEW’s world title booking and creative direction.
A Polarizing Title Reign
Jon Moxley is now in his fourth reign as AEW World Champion. But for many fans, this run has been underwhelming. Critics argue that his title defenses have lacked compelling storytelling and that his dominance is beginning to feel stale. The sentiment online is clear: The audience is ready for a change at the top.
What made last night’s outcome especially frustrating for many was the rise of Swerve Strickland in the lead-up to the event. Strickland had caught fire with fans thanks to a string of standout performances, compelling promos, and a growing sense that now was his moment. Many believed that Dynasty would mark his crowning as world champion—an overdue reward for his breakout year. But instead, Moxley walked out with the title once again, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of viewers who had emotionally invested in Swerve’s momentum.
Sticking to the Plan—For Better or Worse
Tony Khan has a reputation for long-term booking and sticking to his creative vision. But in this case, that consistency is beginning to feel like rigidity. The general belief is that Khan’s plan is for Darby Allin to be the one to dethrone Moxley—an idea that many fans support. The problem? Allin is currently on hiatus while climbing Mount Everest, and there’s no confirmed timeline for his return. That leaves AEW in a holding pattern with a champion that a growing portion of the fanbase is no longer behind.
Who Could Be Next?
With Swerve seemingly out of the immediate title picture and Allin unavailable, fans are now speculating about who else could realistically challenge Moxley. Two names have emerged as front-runners among the AEW faithful: Hangman Adam Page and Will Ospreay.
- Hangman Page, a former world champion himself, has the fan goodwill and emotional depth to carry the title again. His personal, introspective style contrasts nicely with Moxley’s relentless aggression.
- Will Ospreay, on the other hand, is red-hot right now and has the international star power to elevate the title. His in-ring work is second to none. His recent AEW matches have generated buzz both inside and outside the company.
Either man could breathe new life into the world title scene. But, it remains to be seen if AEW will pivot from its long-term plans to capitalize on current momentum.
Damage Control Needed
The backlash from Dynasty is a warning sign for AEW. Since January, the promotion had been rebuilding trust with its audience after a rocky 2024. But last night’s booking decision risks undoing much of that progress. Some fans are even saying they’re ready to take a break from the product—a dangerous sentiment in a competitive wrestling landscape.
AEW has inflicted a self-inflicted wound, but it’s not too late to course-correct. Listening to the audience, embracing flexibility, and rewarding rising stars like Swerve could help restore fan enthusiasm. But if the company continues to prioritize rigid planning over organic storytelling, it may find itself in a deeper hole than it expects.
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