Seth Rollins‘ new alliance on WWE RAW has faced challenges in establishing dominance, while AEW’s Death Riders, led by Jon Moxley, have surged ahead with championship victories and strong cohesion. Understanding why Seth Rollins’ faction is struggling on WWE RAW offers insight into the contrasting fortunes and philosophies defining these prominent wrestling stables in 2024.
The Evolution of AEW’s Death Riders and WWE’s New Faction
AEW’s Death Riders cemented their presence after the events at All Out 2024. Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley split from Bryan Danielson, dismantling the Blackpool Combat Club. Moxley, known previously as Dean Ambrose, seized the AEW World Championship from Danielson shortly after, declaring himself the “One True King” of AEW. His leadership was supported by a formidable lineup: Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and PAC, each committed to his vision for the promotion.
In contrast, WWE witnessed Seth Rollins creating his own heel stable following a pivotal victory at WrestleMania 41 against CM Punk and Roman Reigns. Aligning with Paul Heyman, Rollins joined forces with rising stars Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. The duo aided him in clinching the Money in the Bank briefcase at the 2025 event, signaling their collective aim to accumulate power within WWE. While both factions aggressively pursue dominance in their respective spheres, the Death Riders appear to be operating with more cohesion and success compared to Rollins’ new group.
Underlying Philosophies and Motivations of Each Stable
The motives steering both stables offer significant contrast. Seth Rollins addressed the audience on WWE RAW shortly after Bronson Reed joined his ranks, declaring that their objective was to secure pro wrestling’s future by acquiring every ounce of influence possible within WWE. This vision is centered on loyalty to WWE as an institution, with Rollins striving to restore or elevate the company by reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship—a goal made tangible by his new Money in the Bank status, attained with his stable‘s assistance.
On the other side, Jon Moxley’s revitalization of his faction into the Death Riders was less about supporting the company and more about forging a new, more brutal path in AEW. Their ideology revolves around combating what they perceive as “fakeness and complacency” in AEW’s locker room. Rather than seeking to bolster the promotion, Moxley and his group aim to challenge and transform AEW’s environment through force, using increasingly violent tactics and priding themselves on drawing the best from their opponents. Unlike Rollins’ group, which centers its philosophy on institutional gain, the Death Riders challenge the very foundation of their organization’s status quo.
Championship Success and Member Achievements
Championship pursuits have further highlighted the divide between the two groups. The formation of the Death Riders was dramatically underscored when Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and PAC, after capturing the World Trios Championship at All In: London, soon united under Moxley against Bryan Danielson. Yuta, reluctant at first, ultimately proved his loyalty by turning on his mentor, securing his position within the faction. The cohesion and ambition within the group led to a reign of over 230 days as AEW World Trios Champions, during which they defended their titles against formidable teams such as The Dark Order, The Conglomeration, and The Undisputed Kingdom. Claudio Castagnoli also sought singles titles, including the TNT and International Titles, though he did not secure them, while collectively the group continued to help Moxley maintain his hold on the AEW World Title.
In contrast, while Seth Rollins’ stablemates helped him capture the Money in the Bank briefcase, they have not yet experienced similar individual triumphs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed have largely played supporting roles, running interference for Rollins but not achieving title victories of their own. Reed even missed an opportunity to progress in the King of the Ring Tournament, falling to LA Knight—one of the faction’s recent adversaries. This difference in shared accomplishments may account for the disparity in the perceived strength and effectiveness of the two stables.
Impactful Character and Identity Changes
Seth Rollins has maintained a consistent persona on WWE programming, despite shifting his moral direction as leader of his new faction. He continues to present himself as a version of “The Visionary” willing to do whatever it takes to advance his group’s interests, yet he insists that he has not drastically abandoned his core identity.
Jon Moxley, meanwhile, has undergone a notable transformation to reflect his role as leader of the Death Riders. Adopting his entrance theme from NJPW, adopting a new, villainous appearance, and even tweaking his in-ring style and mannerisms, Moxley marks a decisive shift in character. His storyline development has been enhanced by these changes, adding depth to his ongoing narrative arc in AEW.
Setbacks, Rivalries, and Future Directions
Both stables have faced obstacles as the wrestling landscape shifts. The Death Riders, with Moxley at the helm, experienced a major setback when they lost the World Trios Titles—Moxley substituted for PAC, who was injured—and Moxley narrowly retained his AEW World Title at Dynasty 2025 against Swerve Strickland, thanks in part to interference from The Young Bucks. As a result, AEW’s fan-favorite babyfaces have intensified their resistance against the group, hinting at possible future upsets. Should Moxley lose his championship to Adam Page at the upcoming All In: Texas event, predictions abound regarding another character evolution for Moxley, with possible recruitment of new members to fuel an even more aggressive campaign in AEW.
Seth Rollins’ stable, by contrast, is still in the early stages of its evolution. The group’s trajectory has yet to lead to significant changes in direction or philosophy, and the full impact of their formation is still to be determined. The future may see increased involvement from Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, both as competitors and as partners, provided they can transition from supporting players to champions in their own right.
The rise and direction of both the Death Riders and Seth Rollins’ faction encapsulate key trends shaping both AEW and WWE in 2024. The Death Riders’ violent transformation has redrawn competitive lines in AEW, motivating new alliances and emerging storylines. In WWE, Seth Rollins’ alliance and his pursuit of supremacy illustrate a different journey—one defined by ambition, institutional loyalty, and the challenges that come with building a cohesive, successful unit from the ground up. The wrestling world will be watching closely to see how these factions shape their respective promotions in the months ahead.
