Jon Moxley, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins: Still bound by The Shield's implosion

It has been a decade since The Shield’s dramatic implosion , which catapulted its three members — Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Jon Moxley — into superstardom. Even now, ten years after Rollins’ shocking betrayal, the ripple effects continue to be felt across multiple promotions.

At All Elite Wrestling's recent All Out pay-per-view, Moxley’s turn on Bryan Danielson marked the end of their partnership within the Blackpool Combat Club, closing a chapter of over two years of unity. The BCC was formed in March 2022 following a heated bout between Moxley and Danielson at AEW Revolution. Guided by the legendary William Regal, the faction brought together wrestlers with distinct fighting styles but shared intensity: Moxley’s raw, bare-knuckle approach, Danielson’s technical prowess, and later additions such as Wheeler Yuta and Claudio Castagnoli, each adding unique elements to the group.

The BCC quickly became one of AEW’s premier factions. Moxley and Danielson excelled in singles competition, while Yuta and Castagnoli recently teamed with British highflyer PAC to capture the AEW Trios Championship. However, the group's cohesion unraveled when Moxley returned from an extended absence, debuting a new shoot-style persona alongside MMA fighter Marina Shafir. Despite this transformation, Moxley maintained his alliance with Danielson and even aided him following an ambush by Jack Perry and the Young Bucks at All Out.

But that night signified the end of their brotherhood. Castagnoli landed a brutal uppercut on Danielson in a shocking post-match display after an in-ring embrace. Moxley followed up with a chilling act — attempting to suffocate his longtime ally with a plastic bag, all while Yuta screamed in horror, held back by PAC. The attack cemented the BCC’s dissolution, with Moxley’s betrayal signaling a final and irreversible rift within the group.

Moxley's demeanor during the attack was perhaps the most alarming aspect. Known for his intensity and expressiveness, Moxley appeared disturbingly detached, showing no emotion as he attacked his friend and ended their longstanding alliance. Yuta’s desperate pleas were ignored, highlighting the coldness now defining Moxley’s character.

This betrayal brings to mind another night of treachery — June 2, 2014, when Seth Rollins shattered The Shield by driving a steel chair into Roman Reigns' back. That act ended The Shield and set each man on a path that continues to influence their career a decade later. Roman Reigns, who rose to dominate WWE as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, built his reign on paranoia and manipulation. His title run was marked by intimidation, especially of those closest to him, including his family members, The Usos, and his special counsel, Paul Heyman.

Ironically, it was Rollins who orchestrated Reigns' downfall. During Reigns’ title defense against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40, Rollins appeared in the ring clad in The Shield’s iconic gear, distracting Reigns and triggering memories of their past. Instead of finishing off Rhodes, Reigns attacked Rollins, mirroring the betrayal from ten years earlier. That moment of hesitation allowed Rhodes to recover and defeat Reigns, ending his four-year reign of dominance.

In many ways, Moxley’s betrayal of Danielson mirrors Rollins' actions from a decade ago. While Rollins has seemingly come to terms with his past and even viewed his sacrifice for Rhodes as penance, both Reigns and Moxley remain haunted by his actions. Despite his success, Reigns was undone by his inability to move beyond his past. Meanwhile, Moxley has evolved into an emotionless sociopath, willing to hurt those closest to him for personal gain.

Though Rollins appears to have found peace, both Reigns and Moxley remain tied to the events of that fateful night in 2014, forever shaped by the moment The Shield fell apart.