Ricochet debuted in AEW throughout the On line casino Gauntlet Match.
Ricochet made his AEW debut in a star-studded On line casino Gauntlet Match at AEW All In from Wembley Stadium, solely to lose in his first match.
Ricochet’s debut gave technique to a Christian Cage win, the place Cage acquired assist from Stockholm Syndrome sufferer Luchasaurus. As anticipated as Ricochet’s debut was, it didn’t obtain practically the pop it ought to have if it was an remoted incident. Ricochet’s arrival adopted shock entrances from Kazuchika Okada, Nigel McGuinness popping out of retirement, Zack Sabre Jr. and even Jeff Jarrett—all of whom acquired huge pops. Followers got here alive as Ricky ran wild on the sector throughout a heated On line casino Gauntlet earlier than a historic crowd, however nothing extra got here of Ricochet’s debut. The truth is, Ricochet looks like he’s in the identical spot as he was when he left WWE.
A gifted midcarder who isn’t booked to win the large one.
Ricochet was nearly a no brainer to point out up in AEW after his WWE contract expired with no renewal. Ricochet’s final look in WWE got here when he was destroyed by rising star, and present Intercontinental champion, Bron Breakker.
The Ricochet-to-AEW hypothesis is a symptom of what has turn into an aimless sample of AEW signing free brokers with no obvious route. Former WWE stars corresponding to Keith Lee, ROH ladies’s champion Athena, PAC, Saraya and The Hardys have all fallen by the wayside after being extremely touted “game-changers” in AEW. Even WWE commentator Corey Graves mocked the term upon the WWE arrival of Jade Cargill.
Whereas Ricochet signing with AEW is one of the best monetary determination for the underutilized high-flyer, one should ask whether or not or not it’s the best profession transfer. With much less high quality TV time (Rampage, Collision and ROH are basically demotions at this level) and extra mouths to feed in AEW, Ricochet will see even much less alternatives to turn into a prime star in AEW long-term. A feud with Will Ospreay appears inevitable. But when it’s solely an important wrestling match with a nostalgic spot calling again to their now legendary NJPW Tremendous Juniors conflict, it is going to do nothing to determine Ricochet as a serious participant in AEW.
It will likely be nothing outdoors of hardcore wrestling consolation meals.
Ricochet didn’t go away the highest wrestling firm on the planet throughout its hottest interval—each financially and content-wise—to easily play the hits and coast. It doesn’t really feel like an Okada situation, the place probably the greatest wrestlers on the planet solely wrestles every now and then and is extra identified for his comedy than his all-world capability.
However given AEW’s inconsistency with even its prime free brokers, and regardless of Ricochet’s skills, Ricochet getting misplaced within the shuffle is extra prone to occur than not—particularly after actually being misplaced within the shuffle throughout his debut.
