Since joining All Elite Wrestling in 2024, Ricochet asserts he has reached a new level of performance, crediting a deeper emotional connection with the audience that was absent during his previous tenure in WWE.
A veteran of the industry, Ricochet spent six years with WWE after stints in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Lucha Underground, and the independent circuit. Following his departure last year, he signed with AEW, where a character shift has revitalized his presentation.
In a recent interview with Zack Heydorn of Sports Illustrated, the high-flyer detailed the distinction between his past and present approach.
“Before, it was always physical,” Ricochet said. “You’re going to see something spectacular. I’m going to do something that’s going to make you get out of your seat, which I can still do. But now I also have that emotional connection.”
Throughout his WWE run, Ricochet portrayed a straightforward babyface. Shortly after arriving in AEW, however, he turned heel, embracing a villainous persona that has resonated intensely with crowds. The visceral negative reaction he now draws is, in his view, equivalent to the adulation received by top babyfaces like Will Ospreay or Kenny Omega.
“When I come out and people don’t start clapping, they start booing; that’s just as much cheering as when Will Ospreay or Kenny Omega comes out and people cheer for them,” Ricochet explained. “I don’t want to be cheered. My job as the villain of the story is to get you to dislike this character so you can like the person I’m in there facing, whoever that may be.
“I don’t want to be cheered. I want to do everything I can to make you think, ‘This guy’s annoying. This guy’s stupid. I hate this guy.’ Whatever that may be. Because at the end of the day, I’m going to do something in the ring, and you’re going to want to cheer. And then you’re going to be like, ‘Oh, crap, I can’t cheer this guy. I gotta boo him.’ So that’s always kind of cool,” he finished.
