Jon Moxley Explains Origin of Death Riders Name

Posted by admin on March 11th, 2026

Jon Moxley recently opened up about the origin of the Death Riders faction name in AEW, explaining that the phrase was not part of a carefully planned concept. Instead, the name developed from a random discovery that eventually became tied to his persona and the group’s identity.

Speaking with Renee Paquette on AEW Close Up, Moxley discussed how the phrase first appeared during his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2019. The name eventually evolved into something far more meaningful than he originally expected.

“I don’t think there’s anything I’ve ever done that I’m more proud of in my career than what we’ve built with the Death Riders,” Moxley said.

He explained that the phrase itself did not have a clear meaning when he first came across it.

“Death Riders means nothing. It’s just words put together. I like it because it’s kind of that wrestling Japanglish, because there was some kind of commercial with a jacket from Goodwill that said ‘Death Riders’ that I think was like the motorcycle guys who ride around inside the big steel ball at the carnival, which I’ve never done.”

Moxley continued by explaining that the name “Death Rider” started being used during his time in Japan and gradually became associated with his wrestling character.

“So, I have no idea what it means or where it comes from, but in Japan they started calling me The Death Rider, and started calling – it’s a word that means nothing. But to me, it means something now.”

During the conversation, Moxley also spoke about the importance of the other members of the faction and how much they have meant to him personally and professionally.

“I don’t think I would be here if not for these people. I don’t know what I would be doing. I might be in jail by this point if not for this group of people,” Moxley said.

He also commented on his frustrations with how some people in the wrestling industry talk about the business.

“You know, like a couple years ago, I’m looking around and I still look around to this day and I’m like, I’m surrounded by clowns everywhere. And I listen to people talk and I’m like, do you even know what you’re talking about? Are we even talking about wrestling? I don’t think you even know what you’re talking about.”

The Death Riders faction has remained a dominant presence in AEW since its formation. While the group evolved from the Blackpool Combat Club following several roster changes, it continues to be a major force in the promotion.

The current lineup of the faction includes Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir, PAC, and Daniel Garcia.