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Jon Moxley returns to All Elite Wrestling on Wednesday's Dynamite after three months away. After a spell in an inpatient alcohol treatment program, the man who once served as a much-needed ...
Jon Moxley to Return to AEW Dynamite After Entering Alcohol Treatment Program
Jan 18, 2022
OSAKA, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 09: Jon Moxley reacts during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling 'The New Beginning in Osaka' at Osaka-Jo Hall on February 09, 2020 in Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Jon Moxley is back.
In case his upcoming title defense at Game Changer Wrestling's Hammerstein Ballroom pay-per-view wasn't evidence enough, All Elite Wrestling announced Mox will be making his return to Dynamite this Wednesday.
This will be Moxley's first televised appearance since entering an alcohol rehabilitation facility in November.
Moxley had been booked to face Orange Cassidy in the semifinals of the AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament, likely before a match in the final against Bryan Danielson at Full Gear. Miro wound up taking Moxley's place and defeated Cassidy before losing to Danielson in the final.
AEW President Tony Khan said Moxley was "doing better" during a December interview, but little was known about his return to wrestling until GCW announced he would be defending his title against Homicide at Saturday's The WRLD event. It was a bit of a surprise that Moxley's in-ring return would happen in a promotion other than AEW, but it's likely he wanted to be part of GCW's largest event yet.
Wednesday's appearance will work as a compromise, with Mox likely cutting an in-ring promo for the fans to explain his situation in what should be the biggest pop of the night. Don't be surprised if AEW has something up its sleeve for setting up Mox's first feud back Wednesday as well.
AEW Star Jon Moxley's Return to GCW Announced; Will Defend Title vs. Homicide
Jan 15, 2022
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 06: Jon Moxley looks on during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling 'New Year Dash' at the Oita City General Gymnasium on January 06, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
GCW announced Friday that Jon Moxley will make his in-ring return at The Wrld on Jan. 23.
As part of the announcement, GCW noted that Moxley will defend the GCW Championship against Homicide at the event, which will emanate from Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City:
Moxley, who is primarily known for being one of AEW's top stars, has not wrestled since beating Jimmy Jacobs on the Wrestling Revolver Tales From the Ring 4 event on Oct. 30.
Before that, his last AEW match was on the Oct. 27 Dynamite against Dark Order's 10, and his last GCW match was Oct. 9 against Nick Gage.
Moxley was supposed to be part of the semifinals of the AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament, but he instead sought inpatient alcohol treatment.
Mox was replaced by Miro in the tournament, who lost to Bryan Danielson in the finals at AEW Full Gear.
While AEW has yet to announce when Moxley will make his return for the promotion, it stands to reason that it will happen soon now that he has a return date for GCW.
Moxley is a former AEW World champion and one of the company's biggest stars, and given the circumstances surrounding his absence, he figures to receive a hero's welcome when he ultimately does resurface.
First, Mox will put his GCW title on the line against a cult favorite in Homicide, who boasts an impressive resume that includes reigns as Ring of Honor World champion, ROH Tag Team champion, TNA Tag Team champion, TNA X-Division champion and PWG Tag Team champion.
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Jon Moxley Is 'Doing Better and Better' After Entering Rehab, Says AEW's Tony Khan
Dec 9, 2021
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 04: Jon Moxley of United States enters the ring prior to the IWGP US Championship bout during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling 'Wrestle Kingdom 14' at the Tokyo Dome on January 04, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
All Elite Wrestling President Tony Khan provided a positive update Tuesday on Jon Moxley following Moxley's decision to seek alcohol treatment last month.
Appearing on Rasslin' with Brandon Walker of Barstool Sports (h/t WrestlingInc.com's Matthew Carlins), Khan was upbeat about Moxley's status:
"From talking to [Moxley's wife] Renee [Paquette], he's doing better and better, which is awesome," Khan said. "And [I'm] so excited about that."
Khan announced on Twitter on Nov. 2 that Moxley was entering an inpatient alcohol treatment program:
Jon Moxley has allowed me to share with you that he is entering an inpatient alcohol treatment program. Jon is a beloved member of the AEW family. We all stand with him and Renee, and all of his family and friends, as he shifts his focus to recovery.
AEW seemingly had plans in place for a Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson match in the finals of the AEW World Championship eliminator tournament at Full Gear, but it pivoted to Danielson vs. Miro instead.
No timeline was given for Moxley's return to wrestling, and it remains unknown when he may be back in action.
The 36-year-old Moxley signed with AEW in 2019 after seven years on WWE's main roster under the name Dean Ambrose.
As Ambrose, he held the WWE Championship once and was part of one of the greatest stables in professional wrestling history along with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins—The Shield.
After signing with AEW, it didn't take Mox long to reach the top of the company, as he won the AEW World Championship at Revolution 2020 and held the title for 277 days before dropping it to Kenny Omega.
Moxley also took a brief hiatus from AEW after the birth of his daughter, Nora, in June.
