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AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley has been the top representative of AEW from the very start of the promotion. Tony Khan has often mentioned him as the foundation of the Jacksonville-based promotion. He was the second-ever AEW World Champion after defeating Chris Jericho. After winning the world title at WrestleDream, he has won the title a total of four times.
The former Lunatic Fringe recently formed his own faction which includes Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, and Wheeler Yuta, following his actions at the WrestleDream pay-per-view. At the Tacoma Dome, fans expected a happy retirement for the American Dragon if he loses the championship. However, fans witnessed a brutal ending to his show.
From retiring Bryan Danielson from the company to recklessly decimating him, Mox cemented himself as a top heel in the promotion. While the 43-year-old star was brutally attacked, many stars tried to help him but were ambushed by the heel faction.
Stars like Darby Allin, Private Party, Hook, Daniel Garcia, and Orange Cassidy all failed to save Danielson from the ambush. It is evident that the Lunatic Fringe will have a huge line of challengers ahead of him.
Let's take a look at some of the stars who could dethrone the 'True King' to become the new AEW World Champion.
#4. Kenny Omega returns to dethrone Jon Moxley once again
The Best Bout Machine has been out of action since December 2023 due to diverticulitis. Recently, Kota Ibushi has provided various updates on Kenny Omega. The duo were also seen training together. Ibushi also revealed that he might return to AEW in about two to three months.
Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega have a massive history together. In fact, the Cleaner was the star to defeat him during his first reign. Omega could once again be the one to take charge following the Puryevor of Violence.
#3. Hangman Page
The Anxious Milleniel Cowboy has once again risen toward the main event scene. He has been constantly featured on Dynamite and had a couple of losses and wins. His biggest win this year was against Swerve Strickland at All Out, While he lost against Jay White at WrestleDream, he might easily pick up some victories to climb the ladder again.
Hangman Page and Jon Moxley have a storied history and the former has proven to be a reliable champion in the past. Also after having a great reign as a babyface, fans would love to see heel Hangman rule the show.
#2. Adam Cole
Adam Cole has finally made his return to AEW, hopefully medically cleared this time. He injured his leg last year and has been sidelined for the majority of the time. Despite being injured, he was involved in 2023's biggest storyline as he revealed himself as the Devil.
The 35-year-old star recently returned to confront MJF at WrestleDream pay-per-view. After picking up a victory against Maxwell, he could move on to the title picture against Jon Moxley. Adam Cole could be one of the biggest draws for AEW as a world champion.
#1. Darby Allin to lead the future of AEW
The former TNT Champion has been one of the best homegrown stars. He was slated to face Bryan Danielson at the Grand Slam. However, Jon Moxley cleverly lured Darby and convinced him to put the number one contender's spot on the line. The Lunatic Fringe went on to defeat the Relentless star and replace him as Bryan's challenger.
Moxley eventually became the new AEW World Champion. Also, Darby was the first wrestler who came out to save The American Dragon when the assault was taking place. Darby Allin was seen devastated after Bryan was stretchered out of the arena. The former could easily be built as the next challenger for the world title.
Only time will tell who will be the first wrestler to step up and face Jon Moxley.
