Credit: AEW
In a dramatic close to the September 24, 2025, edition of AEW Dynamite, Darby Allin made a fiery statement by challenging longtime rival Jon Moxley to an “I Quit” match at next month’s WrestleDream pay-per-view in St. Louis, Missouri. Armed with a flamethrower, Allin not only cleared the ring of the Death Riders faction but also escalated their already intense rivalry with a high-stakes challenge that promises a violent and emotionally charged encounter.
Flamethrower Drama Sets the Tone for the Challenge
The night’s build-up began immediately after the AEW Women’s World Championship main event, where Kris Statlander successfully defended her title against Mina Shirakawa but later rejected an invitation to join the Death Riders faction. When Statlander clotheslined Wheeler Yuta and fled the scene, the faction’s momentum faced pushback. At that moment, Darby Allin entered the arena wielding a flamethrower, driving the Death Riders away and making his intentions crystal clear.
His bold entrance culminated with him standing atop the ring steps, mic in hand, challenging Jon Moxley to an “I Quit” match at WrestleDream on October 18, 2025. Moxley did not immediately respond, leaving the challenge open and the stakes high for their next confrontation.
A Rivalry Marked by Brutality and Consecutive Losses for Allin
Darby Allin and Jon Moxley’s feud is one of AEW’s most intense storylines. Since June 14, 2019, the two have clashed in five singles matches, with Moxley maintaining a perfect record of 4-0, including a brutal Coffin Match victory at the recent All Out event. That match saw Allin on the brink of victory until the unexpected return of PAC helped Moxley to secure the win.
Despite this streak, Allin’s challenge for an “I Quit” match represents a new chapter. Notably, Allin has never competed in an “I Quit” match before, while Moxley brings veteran experience to this specialty bout, having competed in two such matches previously the latest being his win over Eddie Kingston at AEW Full Gear 2020.
What is an “I Quit” Match and Why Does It Matter?
An “I Quit” match is a grueling contest where victory is achieved only when one competitor forces the other to utter the words “I quit,” signifying surrender. This stipulation is renowned for pushing wrestlers to their physical and emotional limits, often resulting in some of the most memorable and violent encounters in wrestling history.
For Darby Allin, known for his daredevil style and resilience, putting his career and pride on the line in such a match underscores his desperation to overcome Moxley’s psychological and physical dominance. For Moxley, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm his supremacy over one of AEW’s brightest stars.
Stakes Raised After All Out and Implications for WrestleDream
The recent Coffin Match loss at All Out further intensifies the narrative, as Allin appears determined to settle the score in a way that leaves no doubt about the victor. The flamethrower moment on Dynamite showed Allin’s willingness to step up the intensity and incorporate elements of danger outside the ring.
Sources close to AEW management indicated that this challenge is expected to be the first official match confirmed for WrestleDream, signaling its high importance on the event card. The pay-per-view will take place on October 18, 2025, in St. Louis, a city known for its passionate wrestling fanbase and historic bouts.
Backstage Perspectives and Future Trajectory
According to a WWE insider familiar with the cross-promotional buzz around this feud (as many WWE observers track AEW storylines for global wrestling trends), “This challenge reinvents the Allin-Moxley rivalry by bringing back the psychological warfare and adding a brutal ‘I Quit’ stipulation that fans have long anticipated. Moxley has always thrived in these conditions, but Allin’s persistence and recent actions prove he’s not backing down.”
The same source hinted that, backstage, there is a strong belief that the match could very well overshadow other WrestleDream bouts, potentially catapulting Allin into a new level of mainstream stardom if he can finally topple Moxley in this most definitive fashion.
Implications for the Death Riders Faction and AEW Storylines
The fallout from this challenge will likely extend beyond the two competitors. The Death Riders faction, which includes notable stars like Wheeler Yuta and PAC, remains a dominant force in AEW, often serving as both enforcers and antagonists in storylines involving Allin and Statlander.
With Statlander recently refusing to join the group and Allin aggressively opposing them, this faction is positioned as a major barrier for Allin a narrative that adds layers to the story heading toward WrestleDream.
What Fans Can Expect at WrestleDream
Fans can anticipate a match filled with high drama, physicality, and perhaps unexpected twists. An “I Quit” match allows wrestlers to use a combination of holds, submissions, and weapons to force their opponent to concede verbally. With the history of violent contests between Allin and Moxley especially their Coffin Match an all-out war seems inevitable.
The dramatic buildup, including Allin’s flamethrower theatrics on AEW Dynamite and Moxley’s stoic refusal to accept immediately, ensures the event will have one of the evening’s most anticipated matches.