Where Will Ricochet Go After His Contract Expires?

Is Ricochet Going to AEW?

WWE fans were shocked on Monday night when Ricochet, one of the company's most polished performers, was written off TV in a brutal attack from Bron Breakker, which concluded with Ricochet being stretchered into an ambulance. With his WWE contract coming to an end, rumors are circulating that Ricochet might jump ship to WWE’s rival company, AEW.

What Happened on Monday Night Raw

In the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, tensions soared as Bron Breakker, a rising star fresh from NXT, set his sights on Ricochet. This occurred after Ricochet attempted to intervene in Bron's match against fellow NXT call-up, Ilja Dragunov. The assault was a long, drawn-out slaughter as Ricochet was left incapacitated in a parking lot. After being slammed into a car windshield, he left the arena in an ambulance as fans wondered if such a write-off was for good.

The Pros of Staying in WWE

Legacy and Audience

Ricochet has built a legacy around showcasing his incredible skill and athleticism in the ring on the biggest stage in professional wrestling. WWE's extensive social presence guarantees Ricochet's incredible matches are seen by millions worldwide, solidifying his stature as an over-the-top WWE talent.

Financial Stability and Marketing

WWE's ability to meet superstars' financial needs is unmatched in the wrestling industry. Such a financially sound company can offer lucrative contracts that might appeal to a superstar. Additionally, WWE's marketing power ensures that talents like Ricochet are promoted on a variety of media sources, therefore increasing his presence and marketability.

High Profile Matches

In WWE, Ricochet has had many high-profile matches with the likes of Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, Drew McIntyre, and many more globally recognized superstars. This allows him to showcase his skills against the best the business has to offer, garnering credible exposure and contributing to his growth as a performer.

The Cons of Staying in WWE

Creative Frustrations

Despite many reasons to stay, there are just as many reasons to search for work elsewhere. Ricochet has faced many creative struggles in WWE. Frequent shifts in creative direction as well as character development, mixed with questionable booking, have left Ricochet feeling out of place as if he doesn't fit into the puzzle within WWE. While he is limitless in the ring, his booking has dug him into a hole from which he finds no escape, and he might be looking for a more reliable creative team to book him with clear direction and intent.

Limited Freedom In-Ring

While WWE had its days of gorier, edgier content, nowadays WWE has worked to put guidelines on what is acceptable for TV as well as what is safest for talent. WWE's strict style can limit Ricochet's abilities, while Ricochet might find his ability to work crazier high-risk spots in a company like AEW or TNA, where the guidelines are less restrictive.

The Pros of Going to AEW

Creative Freedom

AEW has been known to let talent have a say in their creative direction without controlling it. An environment such as this could allow Ricochet to unleash his full creative potential and have more dynamic matches.

Growing Popularity and Loyal Fanbase

AEW has quickly grown into a major player in the wrestling industry since its debut in January 2019. The company's ability to deliver high-quality wrestling and compelling storylines has garnered a diverse audience, providing an opportunity for performers to resonate with an entirely new type of fanbase in AEW’s loyal viewers.

Strong Roster and Match Potential

AEW's diverse roster of established stars and rising talent offers Ricochet a chance to engage in dream matches and unseen rivalries. Competing against fresh new superstars could reignite his career through creative opportunities for major feuds.

The Cons of Going to AEW

Financial Uncertainty

While AEW is a formidable competitor in regard to in-ring talent and storytelling, it doesn't yet match WWE's financial advantage. This could require Ricochet to take a pay cut in search of a new place to call home. But, if AEW can match WWE’s offer, there's a good chance we might not see Ricochet back in WWE.

The Risk Involved

Making a jump to a new company as an already established star in another company comes with risks, such as the possibility that AEW will also find itself with no clear direction for the talented star. With an influx of talent, AEW might find itself overcrowded and unable to fit Ricochet into weekly programming.

As Ricochet's WWE contract comes to a close, the wrestling community finds itself holding its breath to see what Ricochet will ultimately decide is best for his future. While the thought of joining a fresh new company might seem exciting, it's entirely possible Ricochet finds it too risky and might find comfort in WWE as a place he can call home. Whether he remains in WWE or jumps into further endeavors, Ricochet's next move will shape his wrestling future in a major way. Regardless, Ricochet has left behind an important legacy in a place he has called home for the last six years.