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Professional wrestling has long been a unique blend of athleticism, entertainment, and suspension of disbelief. Recently, Jon Moxley, one of the top wrestlers in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has sparked a debate by advocating for the use of blood in wrestling matches as a means of enhancing realism and the combative nature of the sport. While Moxley's passion for his craft is undeniable, his justification for the inclusion of blood fails to address the potential risks and consequences involved. Not only that, it's bad for the company's overall growth too, which is not ideal conversely for Jon's own wrestling career.
Jon Moxley's Transition To AEW
Before delving into the flaws of Jon Moxley's justification for blood in wrestling matches, it is crucial to examine his transition from WWE to AEW. During his time in WWE, Moxley, then known as Dean Ambrose, participated in matches that adhered to the promotion's PG era guidelines. This meant a significant reduction in the use of blood and a shift towards a more family-friendly product.
However, since joining AEW, Moxley has embraced the freedom to engage in a more unfiltered and extreme style of wrestling. As a result, he has gained a reputation for bleeding in a majority of his matches. While Moxley's decision to explore a more hardcore approach may stem from his desire to express himself creatively and harken back to his pre-WWE days, it is important to consider the potential implications and consequences of such a shift. When examining Moxley's transition to AEW, it becomes evident that his reliance on bloodshed as a means of storytelling and adding realism is more prevalent than ever before. This shift in approach is understandable to an extent, as AEW positions itself as an alternative to the more sanitized product of WWE.
RELATED: Jon Moxley Almost Lost An Ear During AEW Rampage Match With Sammy Guevara
Jon Moxley's Defense Of Bloodshed
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Jon Moxley passionately defended his use of blood in wrestling matches, asserting that it adds an element of realism to the scripted nature of professional wrestling. According to Moxley, pro wrestling is, at its core, a combat sport, and the inclusion of blood enhances the perception of physicality and intensity in the ring. He argued that the controlled use of blood can heighten the drama and evoke a visceral response from the audience. He said, "The point of the dissertation is that this is a combat sport. But we’re not allowed to have blood in a match unless it’s a personal grudge? We’re only allowed to have blood after a five-month grudge after someone slept with somebody’s wife or somebody ran over someone with a car? And then—and only then—are we allowed to have this dramatic crimson mask that looks the exact same every single time?"
He added, "For me, realism-wise, since this is a combat sport, that means there is the potential for blood in every match. Everything in wrestling is preposterous to some degree, but this helps with the suspension of disbelief.” Moxley went on to say, "I’m actually for less blood but more often. If every single match on the card had a busted eyebrow or bloody nose, it would just be part of the sport. But some gory spectacle with blood shooting like a hose is pretty unnecessary." He ended by saying "People ask why there is blood in the ring every time I leave it. It feels unnatural to go out of my way to make sure no one is bleeding. That feels like I’m taking my foot off the gas pedal. That doesn’t interest me.”
RELATED: Jon Moxley Talks About Why He Bleeds So Often In His Matches
Why Jon Moxley's Stance Is Flawed
Ironically, Moxley wants to defend the suspension of disbelief by the use of blood, when he is breaking kayfabe by simply talking about it. While Jon Moxley argues that pro wrestling is a combat sport, it is important to remember that it is fundamentally a form of scripted entertainment. Professional wrestling is a unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and spectacle. The goal is not to mimic a real fight but to create a compelling narrative that engages the audience. If the audience wanted real fights and blood they would watch MMA. Moreover, While hardcore wrestling fans may appreciate the inclusion of blood in matches, it is essential to consider the broader audience and the potential limitations it may impose. By prominently featuring bloodshed, professional wrestling risks excluding viewers who are not interested in or uncomfortable with excessive violence. Networks and sponsors are likely to be wary of associating their brands with a product that relies heavily on blood and gore. This limited appeal could hinder the growth and success of promotions like AEW, which strives to compete with more mainstream wrestling organizations. To attract a wider audience, professional wrestling needs to find a balance that caters to various preferences while maintaining a safe and entertaining product.
When a prominent wrestler like Jon Moxley defends the use of blood, it inadvertently creates a sense of pressure on other performers to incorporate bloodshed into their matches. In a highly competitive industry where wrestlers are constantly striving to stand out, the fear of appearing tame or unentertaining can drive them to take unnecessary risks. Even though blading, the intentional cutting of oneself to produce blood, is taught to wrestlers, it is not without its dangers. A slight misjudgment or mishap during the process can lead to severe injuries and jeopardize the well-being of the performers. And that's simply not worth it.
