2020: 5 best AEW male superstars of the year

#1 Jon Moxley - Former AEW World Champion

#ANDNEW #AEW World Champion - @JonMoxley! pic.twitter.com/POtAYeO8FO

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 1, 2020

When Jon Moxley came to AEW, he wanted to reshape his image and show the entire wrestling world that he could truly be a top star for a promotion. Although 2019 featured many highs for the Purveyor of Violence, it was only foreshadowing for the major heights he would achieve this year.

Starting the year with a highly entertaining feud with "Le Champion" Chris Jericho, Moxley showed that he could thrive in the chase mode that makes all great babyfaces. His win at AEW Revolution was a cathartic moment and felt well deserved. This was one of the last images for the promotion prior to the global pandemic that changed wrestling this year.

Moxley responded to the changes in the industry with new vigor in every promo. Everything that the champ said from here on out felt real and carried emphasis. His foreshadowing of every title defense and delivering on promises made him one of the best and most protected babyfaces in years.

When the #AEW Champ @JonMoxley speaks, we're all 👂s #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/lGel3B6faQ

— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) August 6, 2020

His incredible AEW World Championship matches against Brodie Lee, Brian Cage, Darby Allin and MJF were all unique to one another with each telling distinct stories. Each win not only elevated Moxley and the title, but also his opponents in defeat. This led to Moxley being ranked No. 1 in the PWI500. Then came his magnificent rivalry with former friend, Eddie Kingston.

The two friends turned enemies put on two engrossing AEW World Title bouts and delivered some of the most entrancing promos in all of wrestling. This deeply personal war of words felt authentic and became the talk of the promotion. Kingston was universally recognized as the main event talent that he had been for years on the independents, while Moxley showed why he left WWE for greener pastures.

His AEW World Championship loss to Kenny Omega at "Winter Is Coming" brought a dramatic end to the greatest title reign in AEW's short history. Whether on the mic, in the ring or how he presented himself, Jon Moxley was the best male superstar in All Elite Wrestling and possibly in the entire wrestling landscape.