AthleteWiki
Live
WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Reacts to Son Avery's Impressive Spiral Tap MoveSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty suffers shock defeat in Commonwealth Games finalSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty wins bronze at Commonwealth Games but breaks down ...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Gives Hopeful Advice to Wrestlers Rejected in WWE T...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles reveals indie stars he handpicked for WWE tryouts a...CHESSFirouzja Alireza Firouzja Breaks Free in Grand Chess Tour Croatia BlitzWRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Reacts to Son Avery's Impressive Spiral Tap MoveSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty suffers shock defeat in Commonwealth Games finalSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty wins bronze at Commonwealth Games but breaks down ...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Gives Hopeful Advice to Wrestlers Rejected in WWE T...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles reveals indie stars he handpicked for WWE tryouts a...CHESSFirouzja Alireza Firouzja Breaks Free in Grand Chess Tour Croatia Blitz

Jon Moxley's Death Riders teammate called 'background noise' in AEW

2026-07-21 · Jon Moxley · Player Focus

Jon Moxley's Death Riders teammate Claudio Castagnoli has been labeled 'background noise' in AEW by wrestling veteran Bully Ray. The comments come amid Castagnoli's continued success with the faction, including multiple championship wins.

What did Bully Ray say?

On 'Busted Open Radio,' Bully Ray praised Castagnoli's skills but criticized his current role in AEW. He referenced Paul Heyman's recent comments about WWE underutilizing Castagnoli during his time as Cesaro. 'Claudio is one of the absolute best of the best of the best, and I don't like seeing him be background noise,' Bully stated.

Why it matters for Jon Moxley

Castagnoli has thrived under Moxley's leadership in the Death Riders. Since joining AEW in 2022, he's won the ROH World Championship twice and the AEW World Trios Championship. He also became CMLL World Heavyweight Champion last year. Bully's comments highlight the contrast between Castagnoli's talent and his perceived underuse.

What's next for the Death Riders?

Castagnoli and fellow Death Rider PAC will challenge Cope & Cage for the AEW World Tag Team Championship at Redemption on July 26. The match comes after Bully's criticism, adding intrigue to Castagnoli's role in the faction's future.

Since joining AEW, Castagnoli has been a key part of Moxley's Death Riders. His success includes multiple championship wins, but Bully Ray believes he could achieve more. The upcoming tag team title match at Redemption could be a turning point for Castagnoli's AEW career.

More Jon Moxley news →