This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite kicked off with former AEW World Champion John Moxley wrestling in his hometown of Cincinnati. He faced off against "Speedball" Mike Bailey, a wrestler well-known for his speed, in a highly entertaining match that also set the stage for Moxley’s upcoming bout against Wheeler Yuta, who was invited by Darby Allin. This match, scheduled for August 24th, carries significant weight as it marks a return to the beginning of Moxley’s storyline arc with AEW, considering Darby was the first person he faced after turning on Bryan Danielson in 2024.
However, there are concerns about Moxley’s future trajectory. The Death Riders storyline was designed to establish Moxley as AEW’s champion, raising the company’s profile and competition level. That goal was largely realized with Hangman Page defeating Moxley twice. Darby Allin was supposed to be the next step, but his absence due to personal goals left a gap. Now, without the AEW World Championship, Moxley seems to be drifting without a clear purpose.
He’s too prominent to compete for the AEW TNT Championship, and the AEW Unified Championship is currently held by Kazuchika Okada (unless Swerve Strickland claims it at Forbidden Door). Even though Moxley remains a formidable opponent, constantly chasing Hangman Page is no longer a viable storyline. His current role is ambiguous—too big to headline but without a clear direction.
Hopefully, by the time the Forbidden Door event arrives, there will be a clearer plan for Moxley’s character. After his match with Darby Allin, some fresh developments are necessary to keep him relevant and engaging for fans.
Written by Sam Palmer
Fan Take: This update matters because John Moxley is one of AEW’s biggest stars, and his unclear direction could impact the company’s storytelling and fan engagement. AEW fans want to see their top talent in meaningful, high-stakes narratives, and how Moxley’s role evolves could shape the future of the sport’s prominence and excitement.
