Jon Moxley has lifted the lid on his injury struggles.
The International Champion has developed a reputation as the ultimate workhorse in AEW, as well as working an incredibly physical in-ring style. Undoubtedly, it seems that this work ethic has come at some physical cost.
Speaking to Bleav/ESPN 1530’s Rick Ucchino, Moxley said a doctor had told him his arthritis was more comparable with a 70-year-old. For the record, Moxley is 37.
“The doctor last year told me that I have the Arthritis of a 70-year-old man,” Moxley shared. “And that was quite humbling. That was a year or two ago. So by now, it is like a 72-year-old man. I don’t move very well in the mornings. But once I get like, dude thank God shows are at night because by then I’m pretty loosened up.
“If wrestling shows took place in the morning like Saturday Morning Superstars, if we started doing those early territory-style Studio TV Tapings on Sunday mornings I’d be… I would retire. I’d be done. Because a lot of times I can’t even move before noon,”
Jon Moxley’s No Fan Of Traveling
During the interview, Moxley also reiterated his hatred of travel, admitting it’s not something that’s exactly kind on his body either.
“Oh my god! It’s best [when I don’t have to get on] an airplane to go to the show. It’s such a treat. Let’s never get on an airplane for the rest of my life,” Moxley joked. “That would be fantastic or take a really long car drive. Yeah, that’s a pretty physical style and often take a good beating in the ring. And a lot of stuff I like to do recreationally is just physical as well. So it was a very physical lifestyle.
“But nothing to me is worse or does more damage than just the traveling,” he added. “For years it was like traveling was my job. The wrestling part was kind of a reward at the end of the day. But your life becomes traveling at a certain point in this game. It’s really amazing how that adds up on your body and your joints and stuff.”
Jon Moxley recently landed at number three on the 2023 PWI 500 list, slotting in just behind Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins who took the top spot. The three men famously were all part of The Shield.
H/t to Wrestle Zone