Jon Moxley on his wrestling–and life–philosophy

“This is what I do. This is my life.”

Extra Mustard is a weekly subscriber-only column looking at the highs and lows–and everything in between–in combat sports and beyond.

Jon Moxley challenges Hangman Page for the AEW word title tomorrow on Dynamite, a rematch from their epic encounter at All In.

Seeking a record-setting fifth run as AEW champ, Moxley most recently held the belt from October until earlier this month when he dropped it to Hangman in their Texas Deathmatch. With or without the belt, Moxley is the most recognizable world champ in AEW history, holding the belt for a total of 620 days over his four reigns–more than 200 days longer than anyone else.

But there is more than the title at stake in this rematch on Dynamite. Moxley propelled Hangman to a new tier of greatness at All In, which was punctuated by his first-ever tap out in AEW. Though it is a surprise that Hangman’s first challenger with the belt is the man he just dethroned for the title, this is Moxley’s chance to further cement Hangman’s position as champion.

And it wasn’t just the violence that made their match stand out. It was the emotion. Hangman overcame every scratch and claw from Moxley, including a final desperate push to win the title. Now we are treated to a rematch, one that is likely to be very different from their Texas Deathmatch.

Hangman Page and Jon Moxley wrestled a classic at All In/AEW

“When I’m no longer with us on earth–I don’t see an end to this,” said Moxley, waxing poetic about how pro wrestling stirs his soul. “This is what I do. This is my life. The people within it. Anything else I do or I’m involved in, my interests are intertwined or near this.”