In a recent interview, AEW star Jon Moxley expressed high praise for wrestler Konosuke Takeshita and his faction, the Death Riders. Moxley highlighted Takeshita's skills ahead of their rematch at AEW Revolution and commended the work ethic of group member Marina Shafir. He also reflected on the recent hair vs. hair match involving Wheeler Yuta.
Jon Moxley, the AEW Continental Champion, spoke candidly in an interview on Close Up with Renee Paquette, published on March 11, 2026, about his upcoming challenges and the wrestlers around him.
Moxley and Konosuke Takeshita previously competed to a 20-minute time limit draw for the AEW Continental Championship at AEW Grand Slam: Australia. They are set to rematch at AEW Revolution without a time limit. Moxley lauded Takeshita's abilities, stating, “He’s very, very good. Takeshita is goddamn good... I think probably Takeshita might be the best guy in AEW.” He added that Takeshita has impressed him over the last year or two, describing an unspoken understanding between them as competitive wrestlers who chase mastery through events like the Continental Classic and G1. Moxley emphasized his competitive nature, saying, “I was not willing to walk away with a 20-minute draw. I would rather choke on my own vomit and die than be satisfied with a 20-minute draw with Takeshita. I would rather just lose.”
Moxley also discussed the Death Riders faction, which he formed at AEW WrestleDream 2024 and has led to multiple championships. He expressed deep pride in the group, noting, “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. This culture, this attitude... You can’t change people, but you can build.” He mentioned key members including Claudio Castagnoli, whom he trusts with his life; Wheeler Yuta, described as an adopted child; PAC, a professional; and Marina Shafir as his lieutenant and head of security.
On Shafir, Moxley praised her relentless work ethic, saying, “If every wrestler in this sport worked as hard every single day as Marina Shafir, everybody would be a thousand times better... She never turns it off.” Shafir has developed as an in-ring performer while supporting the faction.
Addressing a recent event at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, where Shafir and Yuta faced Toni Storm and Orange Cassidy in a hair vs. hair tag team match, Moxley commented on Yuta taking the pin and having his head shaved. He viewed it positively, stating, “You’re only as good as your word... I think it shows Wheeler’s character, that he took the risk and he stepped up and he took it on the chin... I think that’s a victory.” This match highlighted the risks wrestlers take on live television.
