10 Ups & 7 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Dec 11)

3. Think It Over

Chris Jericho Jon Moxley
AEW

In trying to pacify Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho took an approach we've seen several times before - offering the chaotic brawler a spot in his Inner Circle stable, knowing he poses a huge, huge threat to his AEW World Championship reign. This was the big development from an almost-earnest promo from 'Le Champion,' and it closed on Moxley weighing up his options, an Inner Circle shirt over his shoulder.

Jericho's exemplary performance elevated relatively routine material. More subdued than usual, he was fantastic here, buttering Moxley up as the top guy in AEW while recalling their history together, from Jon's early days in WWE all the way through toe 2019. It was a neat approach after two staredowns that seemed to be heading to an immediate conclusion, and the will he/won't he aspect gives the story a new hook.

Anything other than Mox eventually blasting Jericho and claiming an AEW Title shot would be a huge surprise. Regardless, this was some excellent teasing from AEW, and the Inner Circle's presence at ringside justified the lack of violence. Even a man as off-kilter as Moxley couldn't justify lashing out with four other guys around.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.