AEW’s Continental Champion Jon Moxley recently shared the reasons behind establishing the Death Riders faction within the promotion. The group, which currently includes Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Pac, and Daniel Garcia, was formed to create a unique culture and mindset among its members, distinct from others in the wrestling world. Moxley highlighted that this initiative originated as a personal effort to build something new rather than conforming to existing norms.
On AEW Close Up, he said,
“I don’t think there’s anything I’ve ever done that I’m more proud of in my career than when we built the Death Riders. This culture, this attitude, this does not represent me. I do not represent it. I’m not gonna get pulled in this direction. You can’t change people. But you can build. So I just decided I would build a culture of my own. And it started with just me. And look at who’s next to me. Claudio’s next to me, who I would trust with my life, who’s been my right hand man for years.”
He continued defining the foundation members, emphasizing trust and respect, saying,
“Wheeler, who is basically an adopted child of mine at this point. Pac, who is a professional through and through. These are the kinds of people that I start with.”
Highlighting Marina Shafir’s Role Within the Group
Within the Death Riders, Marina Shafir stands out as an essential figure. Jon Moxley praised her dedication and influence, describing her as more than just a team member but the key driving force behind the faction’s success. He credited her with exceptional work ethic and leadership, setting a high bar for professionalism in wrestling.
Moxley remarked,
“Marina has become my lieutenant, my head of security, the heart and soul of the entire operation. If every wrestler in this sport worked as hard every single day as Marina Shafir, everybody would be a thousand times better.”
He further illustrated her commitment,
“The work ethic that she has, the approach to this game, living the life, not just talking about it but living it. Living the life of a professional athlete, a professional wrestler.”
He shared a vivid example of her relentless routine:
“If she has a big match one night and I wake up in the morning – and it’s the afternoon because I sleep in – and I look out the window and she’s down at the pool doing exercises, shadow boxing, and then I pull up at the building an hour later and she’s outside the building jumping rope. Looking like a pitbull.”
The Impact and Future of the Death Riders Faction
The creation of the Death Riders represents a deliberate attempt by Jon Moxley to reshape the wrestling environment around him, focusing on loyalty, shared values, and an unwavering work ethic. With trusted talents like Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta at his side, and the relentless Marina Shafir leading by example, this group is poised to influence AEW’s landscape substantially.
As the Death Riders continue to grow and compete, their unique culture could inspire other wrestlers and factions, stressing the importance of commitment and camaraderie in a highly competitive arena. For Moxley and his crew, the emphasis remains on building rather than changing, forging a path defined by their rules and standards.
