Update On If Jon Moxley Will Be Recognised As IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion In AEW
Mox defeated Juice Robinson earlier this week...
Jon Moxley won his New Japan Pro Wrestling in-ring debut, taking Juice Robinson's IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship in the process.
With Moxley facing Joey Janella at AEW Fyter Fest on June 29, attentions have now turned to whether Death Rider will be acknowledged as the United States Champion - a title AEW stars Kenny Omega and Cody have both held.
This week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter has an update on the situation, with those in AEW said to be unsure: "Regarding whether AEW will acknowledge Jon Moxley as U.S. champion on its 6/29 show in Daytona Beach hasn’t been decided. The key debate points are this. New Japan has no relations with AEW and does have relations with ROH, a competitor. However, a huge percentage of AEW fans likely subscribe to New Japan World, or if not, an Internet-driven company, they would be aware of Moxley as champion.
"To deny it and ignore it would be taking a page from WWE and create a needless elephant in the room. AEW is also focused on very few belts, with the idea of keeping the belts important. That’s an argument not to talk about other belts, although they did have an AAA tag title match on their first PPV show, but AAA is also a partner. If it’s my call, I’d say acknowledge it. You don’t want your fans to think you’re just WWE dressed up in different clothes from day one. "
With Moxley facing Joey Janella at AEW Fyter Fest on June 29, attentions have now turned to whether Death Rider will be acknowledged as the United States Champion - a title AEW stars Kenny Omega and Cody have both held.
This week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter has an update on the situation, with those in AEW said to be unsure: "Regarding whether AEW will acknowledge Jon Moxley as U.S. champion on its 6/29 show in Daytona Beach hasn’t been decided. The key debate points are this. New Japan has no relations with AEW and does have relations with ROH, a competitor. However, a huge percentage of AEW fans likely subscribe to New Japan World, or if not, an Internet-driven company, they would be aware of Moxley as champion.
"To deny it and ignore it would be taking a page from WWE and create a needless elephant in the room. AEW is also focused on very few belts, with the idea of keeping the belts important. That’s an argument not to talk about other belts, although they did have an AAA tag title match on their first PPV show, but AAA is also a partner. If it’s my call, I’d say acknowledge it. You don’t want your fans to think you’re just WWE dressed up in different clothes from day one. "
Written by Ross Tweddell
Written and video journalist for Cultaholic Wrestling | twitter: @rossonrasslin | instagram: @rossonrasslin
