AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander recently discussed her decision to reject an offer to join the dominant Death Riders faction, explaining why the group’s philosophy and methods were not a good fit for her. The faction, led by Jon Moxley, had been actively trying to recruit Statlander, but she ultimately turned them down, choosing to remain an independent force in the AEW women’s division. Her comments highlight a clear philosophical difference between her character and the aggressive, often violent, approach of The Death Riders.
Speaking to Renee Paquette on “Up Close,” Statlander explained her reasoning for turning down the offer.
“Like I had said, I have been in a position where other people were trying to be the one to tell me what to do. Where did I end up with it? Failed title matches, some wins, but nothing really of note. I don’t think that they understood exactly who I am as a wrestler. They were trying to turn me into something that I’m not. I don’t need to be led by them to be a form of a killer. I can do that on my own. I’ve proven that on my own. What was the selling point for me really? What was I gonna gain was being another person just like Yuta. He claims to be- look where I’m at, but look at him. He gets thrown around and thrown to the wolves and attacked and practically murdered by many people on behalf of Jon Moxley.”
She further elaborated on why the group’s dynamic was not appealing to her.
“So doesn’t really seem like a fitting place for me. that I’m not willing to put my life on the line to defend things that I care about and love and want to see the world burn sometimes, but I need to do it for myself and not for someone else, and certainly not for someone who gives me advice once or twice and thinks that I owe them everything for that.”
H/T to Fightful for the transcription. Thanks for checking out this article. Make sure to follow Jeff Jarrett and all things GFE on Facebook.
