Former WWE champion claims money wasn’t the factor behind moving to AEW
36-year-old star elucidated his reasons behind joining AEW after a controversial exit from WWE earlier this year.
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Ricochet and Malakai Black with Triple H (via WWE)
A few months ago, former Intercontinental Champion Ricochet exited WWE. His decision to leave the sports entertainment giant and revitalize his career at AEW drew a lot of criticism from some fans. Recently, The One & Only described his choice of moving to Tony Khan’s promotion instead of staying in WWE.
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, the 36-year-old revealed that his passion for professional wrestling had started to fade during his time in WWE. As a result, when his contract expired, he prioritized joining a company that could reignite his love for wrestling over simply chasing a hefty deal.
I wasn’t going to go to the highest bidder. I was just going to go to whoever is going to make me feel good and ignite that spark again, ’cause I felt like that fire that was burning inside of me was like still there.
Ricochet via Insight
The former Intercontinental Champion made his AEW debut at All In this year. Although his debut generated a lot of buzz, his character in Khan’s promotion is still looking to get that major jumpstart. However, according to Ricochet, he has no regrets about choosing AEW over WWE.
At some point
— Two HEADS, One TABLE☝?☝? (@TwoHeadsPodcast) June 9, 2024
Ricochet should’ve been world champion in WWE.
He was good enough. pic.twitter.com/nYiPl4T7gk
Moreover, the AEW star found himself in the midst of controversy after the unceremonious departure of his real-life partner Samantha Irvin. Initially, fans speculated that the ring announcer left due to her husband. However, they still continued to ire the couple online even after these rumors were debunked.
Ricochet claims his growth in WWE was stagnant
Ricochet had an underwhelming career on the main roster in WWE. Although WWE tried to create an everlasting impact with the star, they miserably failed, especially in comparison to his NXT run. Recently, the 36-year-old wrestler got candid about his time in WWE and opined on his career.
In the same interview on Insight, the former WWE champion claimed that his growth was stagnant in WWE. He added that even though he was on the main roster for over six years, he always found himself in the mix of young stars. Ricochet heavily criticized WWE for undermining him while he was in the company.
I felt like I was able to be on the next level of performers there, I guess. But I still feel like I was starting over again.
Ricochet via Insight
WWE did try their best with The One & Only during his time in WWE. He was once even booked in an intense program with Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship in 2020. However, there was never a solid creative direction for Ricochet on the main roster.
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Anugrah Tyagi
(1659 Articles Published)