On this week's episode of WWE SmackDown, WWE superstar Seth Rollins made a clear reference to All Elite Wrestling wrestler Jon Moxley.
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The latest episode of SmackDown Live on Friday was an intriguing show. But the show’s biggest surprise moment occurred in the first 15 minutes. Seth Rollins mentioned Jon Moxley during a segment with Roman Reigns and The Usos.
Rollins was ragging on Reigns in the opening segment. However, he surprised everyone by referencing Dean Ambrose – the former Shield member now in All Elite Wrestling – by his current ring name.
He didn’t use the star’s WWE name. Instead, Rollins said The Usos are carrying the Tribal Chief ‘much like me and Mox did.’
Given Seth and Roman’s past together, the many mentions of The Shield made sense; even if hearing Mox instead of Ambrose was unexpected.
It wasn’t the first time his name was referenced either. During the main event, which pitted Rollins and Kevin Owens against Jimmy and Jey Uso, announcer Pat McAfee made a series of allusions to Mox.
The Usos are now excluded from ringside for the Universal Title fight at the Royal Rumble on January 29. This is due to the stipulation put in place beforehand.
In terms of the Royal Rumble, Seth’s remark has fueled rumors that the former WWE Champion may make a surprise appearance in the main event next weekend.
READ MORE: At the WWE Royal Rumble, Mickie James intends to wear the Knockouts title
The WWE Universe took note when Rollins used Moxley’s name in relation to The Shield during his opening promo.
Not only was it unusual for WWE to allow talent to use the name of a past superstar, but the timing was noteworthy since Moxley had just recently returned to AEW and declared 2022 to be his year.
Fans couldn’t help but speculate about a match and pay-per-view that regularly features surprises; especially since the forbidden door has become a catchphrase in the business.
However, Moxley being at the Royal Rumble seems unlikely. For one thing, following his departure from WWE, Moxley has had some bad things to say about the company.
For the other, renowned wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer has already said there will be no AEW involvement in the Rumble. He specifically also stated that Moxley will not be involved in the match.
Thus, any rumours or speculation about the return of Dean Ambrose – even for one night – might as well be put on ice. At this point, it does not seem likely to happen.
