AEW's MVP over the last few months, and it's now being reported that the current World Champion has signed an extension with the company. It'd been conveyed that his last deal might have expired and that he was perhaps working on a handshake agreement while details on a new arrangement could be hammered out. That came to over the weekend, with Moxley and AEW coming to on a five-year pact.
As for why Moxley wanted to get this lengthy extension done, Dave Meltzer offered some insight on Wrestling Observer Radio. "So, as far as why so long? I think the answer was that he just felt… he's not going to WWE. He doesn't want to go to WWE, doesn't want to put on of wanting to go to WWE and play both sides to get more money. He doesn't want people speculating that he's going to WWE. He wants all speculation over, and he's with AEW for five more years." Moxley will have an expanded role under the new agreement, with the veteran taking on coaching and mentor duties for AEW on top of wrestling. (h/t and a thank you to Andrew Ravens of wrestlingnews.co for the transcription)
New Deal Makes Sense For Jon Moxley & AEW
It speaks volumes about Moxley's commitment to AEW that he'd sign a new contract until 2027. With MJF making headlines by talking openly about testing free agency in 2024 (to be fair, it's unclear how much of his comments are a work) and Andrade El Idolo trying to get fired, this is a big deal for the company's optics. 2022 has been challenging for Tony Khan and his upstart wrestling company. The honeymoon period is over, with newly acquired ex-WWE guys clashing with All Elite Wrestling's established independent backbone. While some former WWE performers may want to head back now that Vince McMahon is gone, Moxley doesn't fall under that heading.
The Death Rider will reportedly still be able to work with AEW's global s like NJPW, but it's unclear at this juncture if he'll still be allowed to wrestle for GCW or REVOLVER. Reports indicate that All Elite Wrestling has asked contracted talent not to work for GCW. Jon Moxley still finished his run with the company over the weekend, losing a career vs. title match to Nick Gage at GCW Fight Club following interference from The Firm. Regardless of what his future on the independent scene looks like, AEW fans can rest easy knowing that Jon Moxley will be a fixture for Dynamite and Rampage for years to come. He's set to defend the World Championship on October 18 against Hangman Adam Page. That match takes place in Moxley's hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sources: Wrestling Observer Radio, wrestlingnews.co