3 Biggest issues with AEW's Death Riders faction
Jon Moxley is currently the main antagonist in AEW. Since his return in August 2024, The Purveyor of Violence has solely focused on destroying all the top babyfaces in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
The Ace of AEW has put together a group named The Death Riders, which includes PAC, Claudio Castagnoli, Marina Shafir, and Wheeler Yuta. The group has caused a great deal of chaos in the promotion for the past few months, intending to reshape the company's future according to its own vision.
The birth of The Death Riders has further strengthened Jon Moxley, who captured the AEW World Championship for a record-setting fourth time at WrestleDream 2024. Unfortunately, the storyline has not had the desired impact so far.
There are some glaring problems with the heel group that have held it back from delivering on its potential. In this article, let's look at the three biggest issues with Jon Moxley's Death Riders faction.
#3. The Death Riders have no specific vision
Several conspiracy theories have emerged about why Jon Moxley suddenly turned heel in All Elite Wrestling. While some accused Shane McMahon of pulling the strings behind the scenes, others felt that The Death Riders faction was conceptualized to elevate the younger talents in the company.
Unfortunately, the group has not done a satisfying job of explaining the motive behind their actions. Following Moxley's win at WrestleDream 2024, the AEW World Championship instantly took a backseat.
The group is focused more on fulfilling an ambiguous mission, and the prestigious title is being treated as bait to lure the other stars on the roster. However, The Death Riders have yet to reveal their mission, and it seems like the story is being dragged without any proper direction.
Initially, the heel faction only targeted Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, and other mid-card talents who are yet to be elevated to main event status. However, Moxley's allies have now developed issues with Christian Cage, Jay White, and Hangman Adam Page, all of whom are well-established talents.
The group may not benefit from battling this set of stars. Targeting heels like Christian Cage and Hangman Page makes no logical sense for The Death Riders. The lack of substance in this ongoing storyline has prevented it from being a ratings puller for the company.
#2. It has delayed Christian Cage's cash-in attempt
At All In 2024, Christian Cage emerged victorious in the Casino Gauntlet match to secure a guaranteed shot at the AEW World Championship. It is similar to WWE's Money in the Bank briefcase, as it allows The Patriarch to seize his title opportunity at any moment.
Unfortunately, the rise of The Death Riders has left Captain Charisma with no choice but to wait for his cash-in moment. With Moxley's allies looming around, Christian Cage cannot take out The Purveyor of Violence in any possible scenario. The Patriarch tried to capture the prestigious title several times but was quickly neutralized by the heel group.
Moreover, it would not be a popular choice for the 51-year-old veteran to cash in his contract on a heel champion. If Jon Moxley goes on to hold the AEW World Championship for a long time, it would have a negative impact on Christian Cage's character. The Patriarch would be compelled to take a backseat for Moxley, who would only lose his title once he demolished most of the AEW roster.
It would be a similar situation to Austin Theory, who held the Money in the Bank briefcase in 2022 when Roman Reigns was the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Theory could not execute a successful cash-in against The Tribal Chief, and his world title aspirations were ultimately crushed.
If The Death Riders continue to control things in AEW, Christian Cage might also suffer the same fate as Austin Theory. As one of the greatest assets to the Tony Khan-led company, it would be a travesty if The Patriarch fails to become the AEW World Champion.
#1. AEW has produced similar storylines in the past
It is not the first time a heel faction has tried to take control of All Elite Wrestling. From The Inner Circle to The New Elite, several multi-men groups have been attempting to establish their dominance in the Tony Khan-led company.
The key reason The Death Riders have not been able to stand out is that their booking has been largely similar to the other dominant AEW factions of the past. The tyrant heels vs. AEW narrative is far from unique, and Jon Moxley has not been able to bring any variety to this storyline.
A few months ago, The New Elite wreaked havoc in the Jacksonville-based promotion by attacking the likes of Tony Khan, FTR, and Bryan Danielson. The Elite's story arc had not even properly concluded before The Death Riders began establishing their presence as the main antagonists of AEW.
This storyline desperately needs some fresh ideas to help it generate the desired reactions from the audience. Unless Jon Moxley comes up with some authentic material for this story, The Death Riders would be remembered as a recycled concept that is no longer intriguing to the fans.