One of WWE’s most talented high-flyers, Ricochet, is poised to depart from the company as his contract approaches its expiration. Ricochet has given notice of his intention to leave WWE, with his contract set to expire this summer. This decision signifies a major shift for the performer who has been with WWE since 2018.
Ricochet’s exit is expected to lead to his gradual removal from current storylines. This process seemed to begin this past Monday on RAW, where he lost to Bron Breakker after being attacked by Breakker the previous week.
After this news broke, AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland posted the following tweets:
“U come here I’m giving u hell”
“….. I’m not joking”
PWInsider reported the following about the backstage WWE reaction to Ricochet deciding to leave:
“One source we spoke with said they were giving Ricochet ‘all the credit in the world for betting on himself’. One would think he’ll quickly be a hot commodity as a free agent.”
Since signing with WWE, Ricochet enjoyed a strong start in NXT, showcasing his impressive in-ring abilities and quickly becoming a fan favorite. However, his transition to the main roster didn’t see him pushed to the top tier as many had hoped. Despite his undeniable talent, Ricochet often found himself in mid-card positions, not fully capitalizing on his potential.
Ricochet’s decision to leave WWE represents a significant gamble on his own abilities and future prospects. Given his skill set and popularity, it is expected that several wrestling promotions will be eager to sign him. One prominent possibility is All Elite Wrestling, a company known for valuing high-flying and innovative wrestlers.
Will Ospreay, a noted rival of Ricochet from their time in NJPW, recently expressed his desire to see Ricochet join AEW. In an interview with ComicBook, Ospreay suggested that Ricochet has been underutilized in WWE and would thrive in AEW’s environment.
Here’s what Ospreay, who is the current AEW International Champion, said:
“The fact that they only value his time for under 5 minutes is appalling to me. I just want people to remember who he is. If you go and look at 2012-2013 Dragon Gate Ricochet, he was untouchable at the time. I don’t know how much longer he has got in his contract, but I think it might be up soon, man, I don’t know, maybe.
I want him to know that there are people here that genuinely appreciate his work and I want to wrestle him again. I want him back here. I want him to know that there isn’t a bar. You are the f**king bar.
If the opportunity presents itself, I think he should bet on himself. I think he should remind himself that he’s one of the best high-flyers to ever do it. If it means he’s got to come for me, then do it, boss, because I’m right here waiting for you.”
Ricochet lost the WWE Speed Championship to Andrade after Friday’s SmackDown.
Below are Ricochet’s accomplishments in WWE:
– 1x Intercontinental Champion
– 1x United States Champion
– 1x Speed Champion (inaugural)
– 1x NXT North American Champion
– 2022 SmackDown World Cup winner
– 2019 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winner (along with partner Aleister Black)
Ricochet is engaged to WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin.
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