Jon Moxley became AEW World Champion on free television on 30 Sep 2022, beating Bryan Danielson in the Grand Slam tournament final and ending CM Punk’s title vacancy.
How did the title change happen?
CM Punk vacated the AEW World Championship after a serious injury at All Out 2022. AEW responded with a rapid‑fire mini‑tournament on Dynamite, culminating in a showdown between Jon Moxley and his Blackpool Combat Club teammate Bryan Danielson. The match aired live on the September 30 episode of Dynamite, and Moxley secured the pinfall after a brutal Brawler Bomb, officially crowning him champion on free TV.
Why was the Moxley‑Danielson win significant?
The bout gave fans a high‑stakes title change without a pay‑per‑view price tag, a rarity for AEW’s top prize. It also highlighted the rivalry within the Blackpool Combat Club, adding personal stakes to the championship picture. Despite the surrounding controversy of Punk’s injury, the match delivered solid in‑ring storytelling, showcasing Moxley’s hard‑hitting style against Danielson’s technical prowess.
What controversy surrounded the decision?
Critics noted that the broadcast constantly cut to MJF, who was slated to challenge the new champion at Full Gear. That editing choice made the title change feel transitional, as if it were merely a placeholder for the upcoming pay‑per‑view showdown. Some fans felt Moxley’s reign lacked a compelling narrative hook, especially given the abrupt nature of the match.
How did the win affect Moxley’s championship legacy?
Moxley’s victory added a second AEW World Championship to his résumé, reinforcing his status as a resilient main‑event player. However, the lack of a long‑term storyline meant the reign was viewed as a stop‑gap, contrasting with his earlier, more storyline‑driven title runs. Still, the win demonstrated his ability to step in and deliver a decisive finish when the company needed a champion quickly.
What’s next for Jon Moxley after the Grand Slam win?
Following the title change, Moxley was set to defend against MJF at Full Gear on 19 Nov 2022. The upcoming match promised to resolve the lingering tension created by the Dynamite cuts and give Moxley a chance to solidify his reign with a high‑profile pay‑per‑view victory.
How does this title change rank among free‑TV wins?
In a ranking of AEW World Title changes on free television, the Moxley‑Danielson match sits at #5, considered the weakest due to its transitional feel and lack of a strong angle. Nonetheless, it remains a key moment in Moxley’s career, marking his ability to capture the championship under unexpected circumstances.