Jon Moxley Lifts Lid On NJPW Deal
Jon Moxley’s relationship with Japan runs deep.
At NJPW Windy City Riot Jon Moxley defeated Tetsuya Naito to become IWGP Heavyweight Champion for the first time. In the process, he became the first man to hold the World Title in NJPW, AEW, and WWE.
Speaking in a new interview with Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated, Moxley discussed his reverence for Japanese wrestling, and why he’s determined to leave his mark in NJPW. The star explained that he always looked forward to Japanese trips while with WWE, so as soon as he became a free agent in 2019 there was only one place he wanted to go.
Reflecting on his work with NJPW, Moxley said he was determined to learn from everyone he wrestled, revealing he’s operating on a handshake deal with the promotion.
“When I first came to Japan, I wanted to understand it and participate in it,” said Moxley. “That allowed me to learn and grow. I didn’t come in and say, ‘This is what I do and this is what we’re doing.’ Everyone I wrestled, I learned from. I’ve really been able to grow a lot working with New Japan. It’s been a mutually beneficial relationship. They get me, and I get them.
The first deal I signed with them was for six months. The shoe fit, so we kept going. We’re still on a handshake deal.”
Moxley added that the relationship with NJPW is something he holds dear and takes very seriously.
“This relationship with New Japan is very important to me,” said Moxley. “I take it very, very seriously. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m right where I want to be.”
Jon Moxley Slept Through WrestleMania Chaos
When The Shield’s music hit during the main event of WrestleMania 40, fans wondered whether they were about to see Jon Moxley in a WWE ring for the first time in five years. However, the music signalled the arrival of Seth Rollins in full Shield gear.
During his conversation with Barrasso, Moxley revealed he was actually asleep when chaos broke out having not long arrived in Japan. Although he admitted it was “cool” that people were excited at the thought of seeing him return.
Jon Moxey will make the first defence of the IWGP Heavyweight Title on Dynamite when he puts the gold on the line against Powerhouse Hobbs.