Ricochet, who is currently an AEW Superstar, had planned to leave WWE in 2022, but an executive of the company stopped him. It was none other than the former Head of Talent Relations, John Laurinaitis. During his recent appearance on Talk is Jericho, Ricochet revealed that he had discussed leaving the company in 2022 with Laurinaitis. However, he gave him some inducements in a way. Laurinaitis did not stop Ricochet directly but told him that WWE plans to make him the Intercontinental Champion.
“In 2022, I went to Laurinaitis and said, ‘I think I want to quit.’ He replied, ‘We’re thinking about putting you in an Intercontinental Championship match. How do you feel about that? Is that something you are still interested in?” said Ricochet.
Ricochet was never considered a main-event star
The former WWE superstar explained that it was the right time for him to consider leaving WWE because, like many other superstars, he was frustrated with his booking. Initially, he had no interest in becoming Intercontinental Champion, but before he could give a clear answer, he was already booked to face the champion. Ricochet eventually won the Intercontinental Championship, although his reign ended when Gunther defeated him. Gunther held the title for 666 days.
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Despite his success, Ricochet was never booked for the WWE championship or placed in any high-profile title matches, which might have led him to eventually leave the company. “When contract seasons comes around, if I don’t feel valued… then I know it’s okay to just walk,” said Ricochet. In May 2024, when his contract was about to expire, he expressed his desire to leave WWE, which led to his release. On 25 August 2024, he made his debut for Tony Khan’s AEW at the biggest PLE event of the year, All In. Ricochet spent nearly six years with the Stamford-based promotion, during which time he became United States Champion, Intercontinental Champion, NXT North American Champion, and also Speed Champion. Unfortunately, he was never seen as a main-event superstar despite his amazing wrestling skills.
