WWE
Dec 31, 2025
Why Did Jon Moxley Leave WWE? Creative Frustration, Mental Health & AEW Move
A full breakdown of his departure as Dean Ambrose, including creative dissatisfaction, burnout, mental health struggles, and why AEW was the right move. Photo by: Ringside News
When Jon Moxley left WWE in 2019, it surprised many wrestling fans.
Moxley, who was known as Dean Ambrose in WWE, had been:
WWE Champion
Intercontinental Champion
A member of The Shield
He seemed to be one of WWE's top performers. So, why did he decide to leave?
It wasn't about money, popularity, or injuries.
Jon Moxley left WWE because he wasn't happy with the creative plans for him. He felt burned out and wanted more say in his character and the stories he told in the ring.
Jon Moxley’s WWE Run (As Dean Ambrose)
Before he left, Moxley had done almost all there was to do in WWE.
Major WWE Achievements
WWE Champion
United States Champion
Intercontinental Champion
Member of The Shield (alongside Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins)
Main-evented WrestleMania
Even with all this success, Moxley felt stuck creatively.
Creative Frustration: The Biggest Reason
Moxley has said many times that he wasn't happy with how WWE handled creative decisions.
His Main Issues
Feeling stuck with a rigid script.
Silly plots that didn't ring true.
Characters he couldn't relate to.
No say in marketing or how things were done.
He wasn't a fan of his villainous turn from 2018 to 2019, especially:
Over-the-top promos
Gimmicks he felt insulted the audience’s intelligence
Moxley later admitted he was ashamed to perform material he didn't support.
Burnout and Mental Health Struggles
WWE keeps a pretty busy schedule.
Life on the road, with over 200 travel days each year.
Always filming for TV.
Live shows almost every night.
Moxley confessed:
Mentally exhausted
Emotionally checked out
No longer enjoying wrestling
He mentioned he felt like he was just getting by in WWE, instead of really succeeding.
The Contract Decision: Why He Didn’t Re-Sign
When Moxley's contract with WWE ended in April 2019:
Word is, WWE gave him a big offer to stay.
Even with the cash on the table, he said no.
Why?
He was convinced that:
Sometimes, more money isn't the answer to feeling unfulfilled at work.
Staying in a bad situation can really take a toll on your mental health.
Sometimes, you just need a fresh start.
It's not often you see a wrestler leave WWE when they're at the top of their game.
The AEW Factor: Creative Freedom
Moxley joined All Elite Wrestling soon after his time in WWE ended.
Why AEW Made Sense
More creative control over promos
A more realistic and intense wrestling style
Fewer limits on what wrestlers can do
The chance to wrestle in other countries
His first speech in AEW wasn't written down, and it immediately brought back memories for fans of who he is.
Jon Moxley on Creative Control
Moxley has consistently emphasized that:
He wants promos to sound genuine.
He needs to believe in what he's saying.
Wrestling should come across as dangerous and emotional.
AEW gave him the chance to:
Let him use his own words.
Help him create stories over time.
Let him be himself, not someone else's idea of him.
Did WWE Treat Jon Moxley Badly?
No.
As Moxley himself said:
He got paid well by WWE.
WWE took care of his medical needs.
WWE promoted him as one of their biggest stars.
His problem wasn't the therapy itself, but rather his creative approach.
Was His WWE Exit About Money?
Absolutely not.
Moxley has stated clearly:
WWE offered more money
He chose happiness over income
This decision made his departure even more impactful.
How His Career Changed After Leaving WWE
Since leaving WWE, Moxley has:
Become a multiple-time world champion
Wrestled globally (AEW, NJPW, indie scene)
Regained passion for wrestling
Spoken openly about mental health and recovery
His post-WWE run is widely considered one of the most successful reinventions in modern wrestling.
Common Misconceptions
“Jon Moxley was fired by WWE.”
False. His contract expired, and he chose not to renew.
“He left because of Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins.”
False. He remains close with both.
“He hates WWE.”
False. He criticizes the system, not the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jon Moxley leave WWE?
Because of creative frustration, burnout, and mental health concerns.
Did WWE want to keep him?
Yes. WWE offered him a new contract.
Was AEW the reason he left?
AEW was the right destination, but not the original reason for leaving.
Would Jon Moxley ever return to WWE?
He has not ruled it out, but only under very different conditions.
Final Verdict
Jon Moxley left WWE because he valued creative authenticity and mental well-being more than money or status.
His decision wasn’t impulsive, it was necessary.
By leaving WWE, Moxley:
Reclaimed his identity
Rediscovered his love for wrestling
Proved that top stars can walk away and succeed
His exit reshaped modern wrestling and redefined what career control looks like in the industry.
