The backstory
Before adopting the gimmick of Dean Ambrose, one of the three Shield members, Jon Moxley was notorious in independent wrestling as a legit hardcore WWE wrestler, known for violent death matches where absolutely no rules applied.
Way back in 2006, Moxley had a tryout in WWE, which saw him wrestle two bouts. Moxley wrestled a tag team match against M.N.M., which consisted of Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, and Melina.
Months later, Moxley wrestled The Big Show in a handicap match. It would be around five more years before we would see Moxley back in WWE again, a run which resulted in him being a part of one of the hottest acts in wrestling, The Shield.
Also read: Former Superstar says Rambling Rabbit is Jon Moxley
The interview
An interview by Slam Wrestling has resurfaced online, where Jon Moxley opens up on a variety of wrestling topics. The interview is from 2010 and features Moxley talking about his WWE tryout from around four years ago.
Moxley had some interesting comments about the company that would hire him in the near future. He stated that in order to be a part of WWE, a wrestler needs to be able to become a yes-man, and should learn to shut their mouth. Moxley added that he isn't someone who can do either of those things.
WWE is where most of the money is so everyone has thoughts of getting there, but I get the feeling in WWE you kinda have to be an a**hole, an a** kisser or be able to shut your mouth and tolerate those types. I couldn't do either. I love the indies!
The aftermath
Moxley went on to become a big WWE star years later but soon realized that he was better off leaving WWE. Moxley now works for All Elite Wrestling and is regularly working indie matches, as well as NJPW shows. Recently, Moxley defeated a former WWE Superstar in an indie event and has stated that he feels like he's 18 all over again.