Update on Jon Moxley Not Working G1 Climax 29 Opener, Status for Future NJPW Shows in the US

– As previously reported, NJPW announced this week that IWGP United States champion Jon Moxley will not be taking part in the G1 Climax 29 Opening Day event in Dallas, Texas on July 6. Some fans likely suspected this was due to Moxley’s contract or obligations to AEW, who he is also signed with at the moment. According to today’s edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, fan suspicions definitely appear to be correct, with Moxley’s AEW contract not letting him perform at the NJPW event in the US next month.

According to F4WOnline’s Dave Meltzer on today’s Observer radio show, AEW controls Moxley’s performance rights in the United States. Under his current deal, Jon Moxley is free to work NJPW shows when it doesn’t conflict with his AEW dates. However, while Moxley taking part in the G1 Climax tournament was fine with AEW, company officials are reportedly not allowing him to work US dates for New Japan.

Usually, the G1 Climax competitors who are not taking part in a tournament match at an event will work a tag team match at that same event. However, Meltzer stated the case with Moxley is “the exception to the rule.” Meltzer added that Moxley won’t be working future NJPW shows scheduled for the US.

Previously, AEW President Tony Khan stated that Moxley would be working with AEW full-time once the promotion starts its TV deal on TNT. The AEW TV show is slated to start later this fall. Also, Moxley is currently scheduled to face Joey Janela at AEW Fyter Fest later this month.

Moxley will still work the G1 Climax 29 tournament, starting with the July 13 event in Tokyo, Japan.