- Moxley defended his International Championship on AEW Dynamite
- He was apparently injured when he took a Fenix Driver finisher from his opponent
- The match ended promptly after a second move, but Moxley left without assistance
AEW star Jon Moxley seemed lucky to avoid a broken neck during his match on Dynamite on Wednesday.
Moxley was the AEW International Champion and had been defending his title every week since winning it over a fortnight ago against Orange Cassidy in All.
Wednesday’s show was no different as he entered the ring against Rey Fenix, although he almost didn’t leave in quite the same way when there seemed to be a spot inches away where things would go wrong.
Fenix won the match and took the title from his former rival, giving him two Fenix drivers – the Lucha star’s final move.
But there was concern for Moxley when he appeared to land on his head during the first of two finishers, with the match ending shortly afterwards and even the commentators raising concerns about his health.
AEW star Jon Moxley appeared lucky to avoid a broken neck during his match on AEW Dynamite on Wednesday
Moxley, one of AEW’s top stars, defended his International Championship against Rey Fenix
In live footage, it appeared that Moxley was not fully turned while being held upside down by Fenix.
Usually in motion. the opponent sits on Fenix’s shoulder and will twist so that the top of their back touches the mat as they are driven down, creating the illusion that they are being driven into the ground, but the move is actually safe.
Although viewers could not see Moxley’s head hit the ring base in the live footage, the reaction of the commentators and the sudden stop when he appeared to come into contact with the mat raised concerns.
Moxley appeared unable to kick the first finisher and did not do so on the second, although it is unclear if that was the planned finish for the match.
The commentary team informed viewers that Moxley was able to leave the arena unassisted after the match, but nervous fans are waiting for an update on his condition.
Moxley appeared to be in rotation when he took the finishing move from Fenix’s Fenis Driver near the end of the match
Wrestlers have broken their necks in the ring before, including former WWE Champion Big E
Neck injuries are a serious problem in wrestling and sometimes it takes the smallest of mistakes for things to go terribly wrong.
Former WWE Champion Big E has been out of action for more than a year after breaking his neck on live television, caused by not being fully rotated while taking an overhead suplex from Ridge Holland during an episode of SmackDown.
The likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Edge also broke their necks during their careers, highlighting the risks wrestlers face when plying their trade.
Moxley, meanwhile, will appear on next week’s episode of Dynamite, but his status is unclear as fans eagerly await an update on his condition.