Ricochet Defends Top AEW Stable Despite Criticism

Ricochet defended The Death Riders group amid ongoing fan criticism during his appearance on The Mark Hoke Show. He emphasized that the faction led by Jon Moxley is forcing AEW talent to improve their performances.

According to Ricochet, the group creates an environment where wrestlers must elevate their game or face consequences. He pointed out that critics should challenge and defeat The Death Riders rather than just complain about them.

Whenever you’ve got a group like that, holding everybody accountable and holding everyone to a certain standard, people are either going to have to step up, or they’re going to get beat up.

And again, everyone can say what they want about Jon Moxley and the Death Riders, but if you’ve got something to say, then go beat them and change it—which no one has. And I’m not saying that’s me. I’m going after Kenny. I’m about to beat Kenny up.

Ricochet directly addressed online criticism against the faction, asserting that Moxley and his group have become the standard-bearers in AEW by consistently winning their matches.

He compared the current situation to past wrestling history, drawing a parallel to 1980s wrestling storylines.

That’s important too—Jon Moxley and the Death Riders are that standard. They’re holding everybody to it. And look, say what you want, but they’re winning, just like all the old greats were winning.

Back in 1985, when it was Magnum T.A. versus Nikita Koloff, and Nikita was beating him the whole time, everybody was mad at Koloff just because he was winning. But until Magnum actually beat him, you couldn’t say anything. You know what I’m saying?

If this was back in the day, people would just be waiting for someone to step up and change the game. They were waiting for Magnum T.A. or someone to come out of the woodwork and beat him. And that’s basically what Moxley is doing right now—he’s just waiting for whoever’s good enough to step up and beat him.

So hey, I’m all for the Death Riders in spite of what people say. They’re holding everybody accountable. It’s about time people get held accountable.

Sean Ross Sapp previously reported that Tony Khan is aware of the criticism directed at The Death Riders. Fan frustration intensified following AEW Revolution 2025, where Moxley retained his title despite Christian Cage’s attempted cash-in.

While Ricochet has voiced his support for The Death Riders approach, the AEW fan base remains divided regarding the faction’s storyline direction.