Jon Moxley: When I Wrestled For WWE, I Always Looked Forward To Shows In Japan; The Audience Understood Me

Jon Moxley always had a fondness for wrestling in Japan even when he was in WWE. 

Jon Moxley, long before he became a mainstay in NJPW where he’s now the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, always looked forward to wrestling in Japan. 

During a recent interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Moxley opened up about enjoying shows in Japan even when he was a WWE Superstar, feeling that the audience understood him and he understood them. 

“I always looked forward to those shows in Japan when I wrestled for WWE,” said Moxley. “I’d feel a connection with the audience. I understood them. They understood me.”

In 2016, Jon Moxley, as Dean Ambrose, defended the WWE Championship against Chris Jericho at Sumo Hall in Japan. Max is now explaining why that is one of his favorite venues to work in. 

“Sumo Hall is one of my favorite buildings in the world,” said Moxley. “I have a particular attachment to that building. It’s a very distinct look, and it’s set up differently. Instantly, I immediately felt like I was in the right place. When I first walked into Ryogoku, it felt exactly where I was supposed to be. I was off to the races from there.”

Now, MOX gets to return to Japan as the top champion for the top promotion in the region. Fans can learn more about Moxley’s relationship with NJPW at this link. 

MOX also recently discussed why he doesn’t feel any particular loyalty to any promotion’s initials. Read those comments here.