As a young company, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has only had two World Champions so far: Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley. Both men are industry veterans with multiple titles won in other promotions, but each brings something unique to AEW. As the inaugural champion, the Chris Jericho era was characterized by indulgence and revelry to celebrate the beginning of AEW's legacy. In February 2020, Jon Moxley became the second to hold the title, so far defining his reign by guts and grit, as the company pushes forward against all odds.
But who is the best AEW World Champion of all time? Is it Le Champion or current champion Jon Moxley?
10 Chris Jericho Has More Star Power
It's often said that anything Chris Jericho touches turns to gold, and that's proven true for so many of his best moments in AEW. With self-proclaimed monikers such as "Le Champion" and "The Demo God," Chris Jericho has no doubts about whether he is destined to wear the strap.
Arguably, Chris Jericho has produced the largest range of AEW merchandise so far, with Le Champion handkerchiefs and at least 20 different t-shirts. He even capitalized on his own popular catchphrase to bring fans A Little Bit of the Bubby bottles of champagne. While AEW fans have plenty of love for Moxley too, it's hard to top Jericho's charisma and magnetism.
9 Jon Moxley Is No Frills, Just Wrestling
Moxley is no-nonsense and doesn't rely on gimmicks to get over. He's not even concerned with making a theatrical entrance, instead he just strolls in through the side door. He's a regular looking guy, rather than a bodybuilder type, but he's the epitome of a tough, hardcore wrestler.
Mox is more likely to win favor from fans with his wrestling rather than his hijinks. As champion, he has welcomed all challengers and has made defeating them his top priority. While Jericho is a veteran in the ring, his promos and smack talk often take center stage over his actual matches.
8 Chris Jericho's Entrance Song Is A Wrestling Anthem
Chris Jericho's entrance song, Judas, has transformed into one of wrestling's catchiest anthems. The song is Fozzy's hit single, but it has taken on a life of its own in AEW too. Without question, fans sing along every time Jericho enters the ring, even when he's shouting at them to shut up. His entrance theme was given even more reverence during AEW Revolution, when it was performed live by an a capella choir.
Although crowds are reduced right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sammy Guevara often fills in for the audience by single-handedly singing the lyrics instead. Jon Moxley's guitar-shredding entrance music suits him fine, but fans can't sing along to a song without any lyrics.
7 Jon Moxley Doesn't Need a Faction To Win
Jon Moxley has managed to maintain his hold on the championship all on his own. For the most part, he is a lone wolf singles wrestler who occasionally finds himself in a tag team. He handles things on his own terms and he doesn't feel the need to follow the crowd.
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When it comes down to it, Moxley can fend for himself, only requiring the help of friends when completely mobbed in a beat down. Unlike Moxley, Jericho often employs the Inner Circle to create diversions and take cheap shots to tip the match into his favor. While Jericho's AEW record is good overall, fans know that it isn't as clean as Moxley's win-loss ratio.
6 Chris Jericho Has a Better Wardrobe
Not only does Chris Jericho have the swagger of a champion, but he's got the wardrobe to match too. More often than not, Chris Jericho can be expected to enter the ring wearing something flashy, like designer sunglasses, his signature Le Champion handkerchief, and a well-tailored suit coat or leather jacket.
There's no doubt that Jericho has a taste for the finer things, as he has recently put Orange Cassidy on notice for ruining his $7,000 white silk blazer. While there's nothing wrong with Jon Moxley's usual cargo pants look, Chris Jericho's sequined blazers will always grab more attention.
5 Jon Moxley Has Defeated the Best AEW Wrestlers
Jon Moxley has proven that he can handle his own problems, and he has stood the test of time against the best of AEW's roster. So far, he has retained the belt for nearly six months, while regularly crushing opponents such as Chris Jericho, Pac, Darby Allin, Brian Cage, Brodie Lee, Kenny Omega, and many more. As of this writing, he is undefeated in singles matches for 2020.
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Chris Jericho has a decent record, but he hasn't taken on nearly as many opponents as Moxley during his AEW career. Instead, Jericho relies on the Inner Circle as a whole to help him dominate and secure his spot in the pecking order.
4 Chris Jericho Can Cut a Better Promo
If anyone has the gift of gab, it's Chris Jericho. He can cut a promo better than anyone else in the business. With his sharp comedic timing, he thrives in the spotlight and has no problem heckling the crowd to solicit a well-deserved chorus of boos. Jericho has hosted pep rallies, Inner Circle appreciation nights, and even participated in presidential debates, all of which are just as entertaining as his actual wrestling.
As mentioned above, so many of Jericho's most memorable bits have found their way onto an official AEW t-shirt, with each new catchphrase as meme-able as the last. Mox does a fine job addressing the crowd, but keeping up with Chris Jericho's antics is half the fun of watching AEW.
3 Jon Moxley Will Do Whatever It Takes
Jon Moxley will do whatever it takes to prove that he is the best. His motto is "unscripted violence" and he doesn't shy away from the violence part. He has regularly participated in hardcore-style non-sanctioned matches against the likes Joey Janela, Kenny Omega, and others. For Moxley, barbed wire, thumbtacks, and other illegal weapons are not a dealbreaker.
Outside of the ring, violence works for him too. In response to Jericho's invitation to join The Inner Circle, Mox smashed a bottle of champagne over his head. Jericho is motivated to keep his status as well, but he's more likely to send someone to do his bidding rather than get his hands dirty.
2 Chris Jericho's Moves Are More Memorable
As one of the most recognized names in wrestling, it's fitting that Chris Jericho has several signature moves attributed to him. Examples include the Lionsault, a variation of a moonsault using the middle rope as a springboard, and the Walls of Jericho, a visually stunning submission hold that involves sitting on an opponent's back while wrenching their legs back. Lastly, Jericho's finisher, the Judas Effect, is a deadly spinning elbow that has swept many athletes off their feet, including the Jacksonville Jaguars mascot.
Yes, Moxley has a solid finisher in the Paradigm Shift, but that's his only real signature move so far. Meanwhile, Jericho has a talent for branding his most awe-inspiring moves which has resulted in a much more recognizable arsenal.
1 Jon Moxley Is The People's Champion
After a long hunt for the AEW World Title, Jon Moxley finally secured the championship when he defeated Jericho at AEW Revolution. Addressing the crowd, Moxley's gratitude and humility were palpable. "I didn't win this tonight", he said in his victory speech. "[The belt] doesn't belong to me, just like AEW belongs to you, because you're the fans, the wrestling fans. You are the energy that fuels AEW forward. This doesn't belong to me...this belongs to you."
On the flip side, it's unlikely that fans would ever catch Chris Jericho thanking anyone but himself and The Inner Circle. Moxley's understanding that he wouldn't be where he is today without his supporters shows that he is a humble and deserving champion.