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AEW CEO Tony Khan announced back in early November that Jon Moxley had opted to enter an inpatient alcohol treatment program. He was previously set to reach the AEW Championship Eliminator Tournament finals but pulled out at the last minute.
Khan shared an update on Mox's status at the time, saying that he was recovering well.
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However, fans may not have to wait much longer to see Mox back in the ring. During the GCW Die 4 event, Homicide won the Do Or Die Battle Royale, earning a future shot at Moxley's GCW World Championship. The match is rumored to occur at the GCW event at the Hammerstein Ballroom on January 23.
With the AEW wrestler's return to the company imminent, here are 5 AEW wrestlers we'd like to see Moxley face when he comes back.
#5. AEW star Adam Cole
AEW is currently gearing up for an Undisputed Era vs. Elite feud with Adam Cole in the middle. But it would certainly be special to see the former NXT champion face off against Jon Moxley.
The two stars never crossed paths in WWE, as the former Dean Ambrose was already a main roster regular when Adam Cole made his NXT debut. Their storyline could be billed as a one-time dream match or the start of a rivalry, depending on how AEW books it.
#4. AEW star Malakai Black
AEW signed former NXT champion Malakai Black in 2021. The Dutch wrestler has been on a tear since his AEW debut and recently went head-to-head with Cody Rhodes in a highly entertaining rivalry.
However, Black seems to be losing momentum and needs a new rival. Setting his sights on Jon Moxley upon his return would pit two fierce competitors together who would not give in without a fight. It will be interesting to see Black's impressive athleticism against Mox's brawling style.
#3. AEW star Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson is on the best run of his career right now, delivering hard-hitting matches with all kinds of opponents. The chances of the American Dragon winning the AEW championship are pretty high, given that he is battling 'Hangman' Adam Page for his title in this week's AEW Dynamite.
Regardless of whether he wins or not, it will be a fascinating matchup to put the former WWE Champion against his former rival in Jon Moxley. They have previously fought each other as part of The Shield and Team Hell No.
The two wrestlers have completely elevated their game since that rivalry in 2013. A new feud between the two wrestlers would be must-watch television and be compelling for wrestling fans who want to see what they can do with more creative freedom.
#2. AEW star CM Punk
AEW can also rethread an old rivalry by pitting a returning Jon Moxley against CM Punk. The two have shared the ring a couple of times in WWE since the Straight Edge Superstar battled The Shield in a short-lived feud in 2013.
Of course, both men are entirely different characters right now. It can be argued that AEW has gotten the best of both men. Punk is also close with Moxley's wife, Renee Paquette, whom he credited for playing a part in bringing him back to wrestling.
Punk also gave a shoutout to Mox live on Dynamite, so there's a mutual friendship there. It will be interesting to see how AEW plays off their dynamic. Both are excellent promo guys as well. So whether it's in the ring or on the microphone, AEW can count on both stars to deliver.
#1. AEW champion Hangman Page
The AEW champion is set to face Bryan Danielson in a highly anticipated rematch on the first Dynamite of 2022, which debuts on TBS. If Adam Page defeats the American Dragon, he will need a new contender to challenge his belt.
Before Jon Moxley's rehab stint, he displayed a more heelish side to his character as he viciously attacked members of the Dark Order faction. AEW could be signaling a potentially villainous turn for Mox.
While his return might be greeted by fan support, it will be interesting to see if the company carries on with its initial plans. What better way to complete the transition to the dark side by immediately attacking the company's top champion and challenging him for the gold?
It will instantly put Moxley on the main event scene and add another new rival to Page's championship.
