All Elite Wrestling (AEW) may be considering a major creative shift by potentially adopting the successful on-screen pairing reminiscent of Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley’s storyline, this time within its own ranks. The focus is on the Death Riders faction, with whispers suggesting a similar narrative could be developed to elevate both the group and AEW’s profile.
The Death Riders consist of leader Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and Marina Shafir and have emerged as one of AEW’s top attractions. Their presence and impact often draw comparisons to WWE’s Judgment Day, a faction that has seen significant evolution and attention since 2022 in Stamford. Like Judgment Day, the Death Riders combine longevity and dominance, captivating fans with each new development.
Inspiration Drawn From Judgment Day’s Successful Dynamics
WWE’s Judgment Day found tremendous popularity, largely credited to the compelling on-screen partnership between Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley. Their chemistry and innovative angle as a couple brought a fresh dynamic to the faction, contributing to its success. Observers believe AEW recreating the Dominik Mysterio-Rhea Ripley storyline with its own talents could similarly elevate the company’s flagship group.
Recently, Wheeler Yuta extended an offer to former Best Friends member Kris Statlander to join the Death Riders, a development that provides the perfect groundwork for AEW to form its own power couple. Industry speculation suggests that Tony Khan, AEW’s owner, might lean into this storyline option, leveraging Yuta and Statlander’s possible pairing to strengthen the group’s narrative and bring a new energy to AEW programming.
Should AEW embrace this approach, it could help both wrestlers and the Death Riders create viral moments and broaden their appeal, echoing the effect the Mysterio-Ripley angle had on WWE’s Judgment Day.
Wheeler Yuta Books Major Appearance Outside AEW
As these storyline possibilities circulate, Wheeler Yuta, a key figure in the Death Riders and a potential player in the rumored couple angle, is scheduled for a significant appearance beyond AEW. Yuta’s next big moment was announced by Power Pro Lucha, who confirmed his participation at an event on July 19 at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. Details about his opponent remain under wraps but the event has already generated buzz.
“The Arlen Specter US Squash Center is gonna shake AEW’s Wheeler Yuta comes to Power Pro Lucha and will be in action on Saturday July.19th! Get your tickets at http://powerprolucha.com Online Presale starts TONIGHT!”
—Power Pro Lucha, Event announcer
Potential Impact on AEW’s Future
If Tony Khan moves forward with a storyline mirroring the Mysterio-Ripley scenario, using Wheeler Yuta and Kris Statlander as a power couple within the Death Riders, AEW could see increased engagement and fan interest. As judgment and excitement build, the development will be watched closely by both critics and wrestling fans, offering AEW an opportunity to make a significant mark and possibly set new trends in wrestling storytelling.
