Following Jon Moxley’s recent win at AEW Worlds End, where he secured the AEW Continental Champion title by defeating Kyle Fletcher and Kazuchika Okada, speculation has risen within the AEW community regarding the future of the Death Riders faction and who might step in as the new leader. The possibility of a leadership change has sparked discussions, especially as Moxley’s focus seems to be evolving after his emotional post-match dedication to his teammates and the fans.
Moxley’s Triumph and Its Implications
At AEW Worlds End 2025, Jon Moxley earned a major victory, first overcoming Kyle Fletcher and then Kazuchika Okada, ultimately emerging as the AEW Continental Champion and Continental Classic tournament winner. The support from the crowd was evident, and Moxley, a former four-time AEW World Champion, took a moment to acknowledge the efforts of the other C2 participants, his Death Riders stablemates, and those in attendance.
This post-match moment hinted at potential friction within the Death Riders, as some members might believe that Moxley is straying from the group’s original purpose. Such a shift could lead to a dramatic change in the faction’s leadership, raising questions about who could be next in line.
Gabe Kidd Emerges as a Leading Candidate
Gabe Kidd, who made the transition from New Japan Pro Wrestling to join AEW in 2025, quickly became a consistent figure on the AEW roster. He formed an alliance with Jon Moxley, and during the past year, Kidd performed as a mercenary for the Death Riders, taking on significant challenges alongside the group.
Recently, Gabe Kidd participated in a fierce, bloody encounter with Darby Allin at AEW Worlds End 2025, where he narrowly missed out on victory. Despite the setback, his resolve and presence within the group have become more pronounced, making him a strong contender to succeed Moxley as the leader of the Death Riders should internal tensions lead to a shakeup.
If Kidd were to betray Moxley and seize control of the faction, it would mark a pivotal turn for the Death Riders and introduce a fresh dynamic into AEW’s competitive landscape, especially given their status as one of the top factions in All Elite Wrestling today. With speculation mounting, the direction of the Jon Moxley AEW Death Riders storyline remains one of the most closely watched developments in professional wrestling moving forward.
