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Jon Moxley made headlines in the wrestling community when he debuted on All Elite Wrestling's first show ever, Double Or Nothing. His appearance in AEW was electrifying, and it instantly became an iconic moment in the young history of the company.
Jon Moxley's reputation in WWE certainly helped make him one of AEW's top superstars. Moxley's has since had a prolonged absence due to his decision to enter into an inpatient alcohol treatment program.
News recently broke that Moxley will be in action against Homicide on January 23 at the Hammerstein Ballroom. The reigning GCW world champion will be defending his title against the TNA legend. This is an indication that Jon is ready to be back in action, and it is only a matter of time before AEW officially announces his return.
Moxley's return raises questions about his character. Will he be coming back as a babyface, or will he be turning heel? Here are 3 reasons why he should continue a face storyline, and 2 why he should switch sides.
#5 Jon Moxley is a fan favorite as a rugged babyface
Jon Moxley's AEW run has mostly had him play a rebellious babyface. To no one's surprise, the character has been massively well-received. Moxley brought his indie circuit vibe to AEW, and fans have responded roaringly.
Jon Moxley's rugged anti-hero style has always been able to connect with AEW fans. It might be risky to delve into uncharted grounds when the given formula has worked so well. Moxley returning to play his beloved babyface character would, without a doubt, have fans screaming in excitement. This seems to be a safer bet than turning him heel upon his return.
#4 Jon Moxley turning heel would open up new storylines
Jon Moxley has run through a fair portion of AEW's heels during his time as a beloved babyface. Those who remain are arguably not high enough on the totem pole to warrant a feud with the former AEW world champion, especially in a way that would make for a good story arc.
Jon Moxley turning to heel upon his return will be a fresh avenue for the character. Given the current state of things in AEW, a high profile heel would benefit the scene, as well as keep things from going stale for Moxley.
Jon Moxley was in the AEW championship eliminator tournament when he went into rehab. After Bryan Danielson and Hangman Adam Page's feud reaches its conclusion, Jon could get back to his pursuit of reclaiming the AEW world championship. Such a high profile feud involving two of the biggest AEW stars would surely be well received, and it would be a treat to see Moxley turn to the dark side.
#3 A feud between babyface Jon Moxley and MJF would be spectacular
MJF has maintained his status as one of the best heels not just in AEW, but the whole of the wrestling industry. His complete disregard for morality makes him a despicable, yet successful villain. Babyfaces that go up against him are often limited by their sense of fair play.
Jon Moxley goes against conventional babyface tendencies and has a wild anti-hero streak to his character. It is interesting to imagine him feuding with MJF with no regard for traditional heroics. Fans received the feud between the two superstars very well last time, which ended with Jon emerging victorious at All Out 2020.
Moxley could very well return as a solid opponent for MJF's dominant run again in the All Elite scene. A no-holds barred rivalry would ensue, which would make for a unique storyline in the AEW.
#2 Jon Moxley could lean into his unhinged side to transition to a full-blown heel
Jon Moxley was showing all the signs of turning heel before he went into rehab. Moxley dismantled Wheeler Yuta before destroying 10 of the Dark Order in the AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament in a manner that seemed to portray him as more unhinged than ever. Furthermore, his promos also leaned heavily towards the crazier aspect of Jon's character. His ensuing fights saw him doing as much damage as possible with no regard for who he was plowing through.
The foundation for Moxley's heel turn has always been present. It would be really easy for Jon Moxley to let go of his babyface personality and turn it into a fully committed heel with an unhinged character. Something akin to his WWE character of Dean Ambrose might just work well with AEW audiences.
#1 Returning characters are usually recieved better when a face
No matter who the wrestler is, it is established that returning superstars are always better received when they are babyfaces. Jon Moxley is no exception.
The AEW fanbase already sympathizes with Jon Moxley and respects his decision to go into rehab. Going with the flow of things, it makes sense for Moxley to have a hero's welcome upon returning to Tony Khan's promotion. A triumphant return as a babyface would play perfectly in the current AEW scene.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of one of their most beloved AEW wrestlers. There is no doubt that Moxley's comeback will be one of the highlights in AEW in 2022.
