Backstage reaction to Ricochet’s WWE departure - Reports
Ricochet and WWE have officially parted ways. After close to six-and-a-half years, it was recently revealed that the multi-time champion gave his notice to WWE officials and left the company. He has just issued a statement on the matter.
The Highlight Of The Night became a free agent when his World Wrestling Entertainment contract expired overnight, and the public roster was updated. Ricochet is free to sign with any promotion he wants, as there was no 90-day non-compete clause with WWE because the contract ran out. There have been rumblings about the 35-year-old signing with AEW, but nothing has been confirmed as of now.
WWE and Ricochet reportedly have no ill will between them, according to Fightful Select. The split was said to be fairly amicable. At one point, there was internal praise over how the 21-year veteran was going out and betting on himself with the departure.
Despite recent rumors, there are no signs of Ricochet's fiancee, Samantha Irvin, leaving WWE to join him in Tony Khan's promotion. Early on, similar rumors were found to be inaccurate, with sources pointing out that Irvin's contract was separate from Ricochet's deal.
The Future of Flight is still expected to go to AEW. He technically could have appeared at the very end of Sunday's AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view, as his contract officially expired at midnight when the show ended.
Regardless of where Ricochet goes next, he will use the same ring name. The inaugural Speed Champion has owned the trademark "Ricochet" since 2018. USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) records show that he listed his "First Use In Commerce" date as October 11, 2003, when he began his career.
Recently released WWE Superstar praised Ricochet
World Wrestling Entertainment just lost two experienced wrestlers, Dijak and Ricochet, who are viewed by many as underrated talents.
Officials let Dijak's contract expire this past week and did not engage in contract talks despite his attempts. Ricochet's deal expired last night, and he informed them weeks prior that he would be leaving.
The veteran talents recently made headlines after The Tall Don took to X to praise The Future Of Flight. Dijak labeled Ricochet the best high-flyer in wrestling history and one of the greatest in-ring talents he's encountered.
"I’m just gonna throw this out there because it’s been on my mind lately for whatever reason. In my opinion, @KingRicochet is literally the best high flyer in history. He’s one of the greatest in ring talents I’ve ever seen or wrestled," Dijak wrote.
Dijak's message led to a response from Ricochet and a top AEW star.