Ricochet Opens Up on WWE Exit: “A Blessing and a Curse” – Major Changes Looming at WWE Performance Center
In the fast-paced, excessive-stakes world of expert wrestling, there’s usually movement backstage. Recent revelations from WWE celebrity Ricochet shed mild on his frustrations in the course of his six-year run with the organization, adding gasoline to ongoing discussions approximately WWE’s booking strategies and the way they deal with expertise.
Ricochet, 35, as soon as hailed as one of the maximum electrifying excessive-flyers in WWE, broke his silence approximately his turbulent journey in the corporation. The Illinois local first joined WWE in January 2018 after making waves with Lucha Underground, in which he earned a recognition for his precise in-ring fashion. Upon coming into WWE’s developmental logo NXT, he without delay hit the floor going for walks, securing the NXT North American Championship. His simple expertise earned him a fast-song ticket to WWE’s predominant roster.
Over the following 5 years, Ricochet amassed a respectable list of accolades. He became Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, or even the inaugural WWE Speed Champion. His victory inside the prestigious SmackDown World Cup in 2022 similarly solidified his status inside the enterprise. But, backstage, Ricochet struggled with his function and how he became utilized.
“Enhancing Others, Not Myself”
The summer of 2024 marked a turning point for Ricochet as rumors approximately his departure started circulating after a vicious on-display assault by means of Bron Breakker at the June 10th episode of Raw. This brutal storyline seemed to foreshadow his go out, with Ricochet formally leaving WWE while his settlement expired on June 30th.
In a recent interview on Talk Is Jericho, hosted by wrestling icon Chris Jericho, Ricochet did no longer maintain back his feelings about his WWE tenure. He expressed growing frustration over being used as an enhancement talent, or as he described it, the guy who takes all the hard-hitting moves to make others look good.
“It’s like, he [Bron Breakker] just started on Raw, they’re trying to make him a big threat, they’re trying to make him do something that’s dastardly. That was Ricochet’s role to take the moves from the people, that was always Ricochet’s role. It doesn’t matter if it was Braun or Drew or whoever. Bronson Reed, Shinsuke—I’m gonna take their move. It is what it is, a blessing and a curse. I blame myself.”
This candid confession is a rare glimpse into the internal struggles of a performer who, regardless of an outstanding list of accomplishments, never felt completely glad together with his trajectory. His function as the “fall man” for bigger stars and emerging capabilities became each a factor of delight and frustration, ultimately fueling his choice to stroll away from WWE.
A New Chapter: Ricochet’s AEW Debut
Ricochet’s departure from WWE didn’t signal the give up of his wrestling career. In August 2024, he made a surprise debut for WWE’s rival merchandising, All Elite Wrestling (AEW), inside the Casino Gauntlet Match at AEW All In, held at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium. Though he didn’t claim victory at the occasion, his presence turned into felt.
Just days later, Ricochet showcased his abilities again, defeating Kyle Fletcher at the August 28th version of AEW Dynamite. This match marked his first singles bout in Tony Khan’s unexpectedly expanding wrestling promotion, in which many consider Ricochet will flourish in an surroundings that embraces his high-flying style and innovative freedom.
In reflecting on his decision to enroll in AEW, Ricochet emphasised the choice to reignite his ardour for wrestling and revel in himself in the ring. “I just wanted to have extra fun,” he admitted all through a submit-healthy interview. With AEW’s recognition for giving wrestlers greater creative enter, it seems Ricochet is poised to rediscover the pleasure that to begin with propelled him to stardom.
WWE Performance Center Changes on the Horizon
As Ricochet embarks on his new journey with AEW, principal changes are reportedly within the works at WWE’s Performance Center. Sources in the employer endorse that restructuring efforts should extensively regulate the manner WWE develops its destiny stars. With Ricochet’s departure serving as a stark instance of WWE’s expertise management challenges, these adjustments may be WWE’s attempt to address the growing concerns from its roster.
The wrestling world is watching closely as WWE and AEW continue their competitive dance, with Ricochet’s journey now squarely in the spotlight. Whether his frustrations will inspire further changes in WWE’s handling of talent remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ricochet is ready to soar to new heights in AEW.
H/T: Fightful for the above transcription.
