Jon Moxley is breathing free air again and in pursuit of “reclaiming his soul”, he’s captured the IWGP U.S. Title.
On the final night of the Best of the Super Juniors 26 Tournament, Jon Moxley, who was revealed to be the man behind New Japan Pro Wrestling‘s “Time’s Up” vignettes, re-started his non-WWE career with a bang.
In his first match back on the non-WWE/developmental circuit since 2011, Moxley defeated Juice Robinson to capture the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.
Moxley’s win is not without irony considering the IWGP title bears the same name as the WWE title he first won as Dean Ambrose. Moxley held that belt for a record 351 days. If he were to hold the IWGP version of the belt just as long, he’d surpass Kenny Omega‘s reign of 210 days.
Moxley is the 6th man to win the IWGP United States Championship, NJPW’s newest title, having just been introduced a little under two years ago.
Having left WWE over creative differences and general unhappiness and apathy, Jon Moxley made his grand return to the wrestling scene not run by Vince McMahon, when he shockingly debuted at Double or Nothing, attacking Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho and anyone who stood in his way.
He talked of a paradigm shift, started using his Twitter account to make bold statements, and began making an impact in his new company without having wrestled a match. Since his return to the indies and his debuts in All Elite Wrestling and NJPW, Moxley has already been announced for matches against Joey Janela and is building, most likely, to a program with Kenny Omega. A program that is even more fitting now as it will see two former/possibly one current IWGP United States champions facing off.
What are your thoughts on Moxley’s first big title win since leaving WWE? Let us know in the comment section below.
Sure does sound like fun with matches like these from John Moxley.typically a dumb one at best.