With the AEW Blood and Guts match set to feature the heel squad of Jon Moxley and the Death Riders, there could be a new leader emerging.
From members of the group that could overthrow Moxley as their leader to brand new faces that could make a huge impact on the stable — Jon Moxley’s days leading the Death Riders could be numbered.
Here are six potential new leaders of the AEW Death Riders.
6. Claudio Castagnoli
There have been some subtle indications that perhaps the Death Riders will face their own day of reckoning with the upcoming Blood and Guts match on AEW Dynamite.
With some speculation that the annual brutal affair could spell the end of the Jon Moxley’s Death Riders, one prevailing fan sentiment is that next up to lead the group could be Claudio Castagnoli.
Similarly to when leadership changed hands in the overall group from Bryan Danielson to Jon Moxley, some fans are convinced that the group is about to hand the reigns over to Castagnoli next.
Potentially able to take over the Death Riders and continue the storyline — particularly giving Will Ospreay a target upon his potential return later in 2026 — Moxley could be out and Claudio Castagnoli could be taking over.
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5. Roderick Strong
One possible new leader for the Death Riders could be a man who has been going up against them lately, Roderick Strong.
After besting Jon Moxley in order to earn the advantage for the babyface team at Blood and Guts, perhaps Roddy has a secret up his sleeve.
If the Death Riders were to turn on Moxley, it would make a solid addition to see Roderick Strong emerge as not only a new member of the stable but possibly their new leader.
With Strong’s real-life wife Shafir already a central figure within the group, perhaps there is a swerve yet to be revealed in the Death Riders storyline.
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4. Gabe Kidd
A new leader for the Death Riders that could come along with new members that were already loyal to his tutelage is New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Gabe Kidd.
Heading up the Bullet Club War Dogs in NJPW, Gabe Kidd certainly brings a frightening intensity in the vein of Jon Moxley.
Already having fought alongside the Death Riders in the past, the 28-year old English star could make a huge impact on the landscape in AEW.
Potentially able to take over in a Moxley-esq role, Kidd could certainly be a viable threat to any potential members that would consider attempting a coup.
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3. Don Callis
Whenever an opportunity arises for some chicanery or shenanigans, Don Callis may find his way into the situation.
It seems that most of the heels on the AEW roster are currently affiliated in some way with the Don Callis Family.
If Don Callis brokered a deal to see the Death Riders acquired by the Family —there would be a brand new super alliance of evil in the company.
Bringing together some of AEW’s heaviest hitters, it could end up that no one in the company was safe from the combined forces.
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2. MJF
Out of action since losing the Tables n’ Tacks match against Mark Briscoe at AEW All Out 2025, MJF has yet to return.
However, since he still seemingly has eyes on reclaiming the AEW World Championship — a brand new alliance could be the thing that MJF needs the most.
Able to join up with the Death Riders and attempt to take over the group, the alliance may not be long lived but it could be both wildly entertaining and mutually beneficial.
The Death Riders would get a new leader to ultimately sacrifice to their thirst for violence and MJF would have some temporary back-up on his quest to get back to the top of AEW.
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1. Samoa Joe
While Samoa Joe has certainly taken a turn to the dark side of late, it could be amazing to see The Opps join forces with The Death Riders.
Bringing together some of AEW’s most frightening men (plus Marina Shafir!) could end up being an unholy alliance the likes of which the industry hasn’t yet seen.
Able to combine forces in brute violence and bloodlust, AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page would have even more reason to fear Joe.
Putting up a huge wall of competition for any combination of babyfaces in AEW, Samoa Joe becoming the new leader of the Death Riders could be the most dastardly option of all.
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