AEW Star Gabe Kidd Says He’s Part Of The Death Riders Following NJPW Dominion 2026 Return

AEW

AEW star Gabe Kidd has addressed his status following his NJPW return, stating that he is now representing the Death Riders faction.

Having not wrestled since April due to an injury, Gabe Kidd made an appearance at NJPW Dominion on Sunday (June 14), attacking IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Shota Umino following his title win.

Kidd shared a message for Umino on behalf of the Death Riders while in the ring, fuelling speculation about his potential addition to the group.

In backstage comments made after his appearance, Gabe Kidd stated that he is part of the Death Riders, which he called the best team in the world.

Addressing his AEW absence, and uncertainty surrounding his status for Forbidden Door, Kidd said:

“I am here as part of the best team in the world, the Death Riders, let’s get that very f**king clear. Just like we did in AEW, just like it needed f**king saving, I’m going to come here to save New Japan Pro-Wrestling from going bankrupt, because with c**ts like that as champions, I don’t think it’s going to last much longer. 

“Getting a visa for me is difficult right now, they don’t want to let me in the country. That’s cool, I’ll wait. If it’s not ready by Forbidden Door, I will wait here until you arrive… 

“I am here, I am back. Talking about, I have to check with doctors for clearance, I’m clearing myself. Whenever you’re ready, Shota, whenever you’re ready, it doesn’t matter to me.

“If I can’t get to Forbidden Door, I will be f**king waiting for you. That is mine, all of this is mine. I won’t be coming alone either.”

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Gabe Kidd’s last AEW in-ring appearance was as part of The Dogs faction, with he, David Finlay and Clark Connors losing the AEW Trios Championship to The Conglomeration at the April 12 Dynasty pay-per-view.

Kidd does have history with the Death Riders, aligning with them as a “hired mercenary” in 2025, leading to him teaming with them and the Young Bucks against Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Will Ospreay in a Lights Out Steel Cage match at that August’s Forbidden Door show.

While there is some uncertainty surrounding his status for Forbidden Door according to Kidd’s comments, he has already been confirmed for the G1 Climax tournament, which will run from July 11 to August 16.

With Gabe Kidd set to be gone for a substantial period of the summer anyway, it would make sense for him to operate a wing of the Death Riders in Japan, as more becomes clear about his future direction.

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• gabe kidd
• Death Riders
• AEW
• NJPW
• dominion

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