As Ricochet approaches the end of his WWE contract, speculation abounds regarding his future in professional wrestling. Known as “The One and Only,” Ricochet’s departure has sparked considerable discussion among fans and industry insiders alike. WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry recently weighed in on the matter during an episode of “Busted Open Radio,” offering a critical analysis of WWE’s treatment of Ricochet over the years.
A Talent in the Shadows
“He can very easily be put in the shadow of people because Ricochet is a good guy,” Henry stated, highlighting a fundamental issue with how WWE has managed Ricochet’s character and storylines. “He’s very professional, and he also don’t like confrontation and making waves. The squeaky wheel, he is not the squeaky wheel, and if there was ever a case for him to be one, I could point out about three times that he should have said, ‘No, I’m not f**king losing to him. If he can beat me up, then, yeah, but no. I’ve been doing business and you’re all going to kill me off.'”
Henry’s comments underscore Ricochet’s tendency to avoid confrontation, which, according to Henry, has contributed to his underwhelming booking and diminished stature within WWE. The Hall of Famer believes that Ricochet’s willingness to be a team player has often been to his detriment.
A Controversial Loss
One particular instance that Henry found particularly egregious was Ricochet’s loss to Logan Paul at SummerSlam 2023. Despite Paul using brass knuckles to secure the victory, Henry felt that the outcome significantly damaged Ricochet’s credibility. “I’m not happy that Ricochet lost to Logan Paul at SummerSlam, especially under those circumstances,” Henry said. He emphasized that while WWE prioritizes entertainment over the strict wins and losses of traditional sports, the frequency and nature of Ricochet’s defeats have eroded his value within the company.
A Storied but Flawed Run
During his six-year tenure with WWE, Ricochet has enjoyed a series of notable achievements. He captured the North American Championship and won the 2019 Dusty Rhodes Classic during his time in NXT. On the main roster, he added the Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and Speed Championship to his accolades. However, despite these successes, Henry contends that Ricochet has often been utilized in ways that failed to capitalize on his extraordinary talent.
Missed Opportunities
Henry pointed out several missed opportunities where Ricochet should have asserted himself more forcefully. “There were times he should have said, ‘You’re going to kill me off,'” Henry reflected. He believes that Ricochet’s reluctance to challenge booking decisions that placed him in a losing position has led to a perception that he is a mid-card talent at best, rather than a main event player.
The Road Ahead
As Ricochet prepares to leave WWE, his future in wrestling remains an open question. With his high-flying style and undeniable charisma, he has the potential to make a significant impact wherever he chooses to go next. Whether he heads to another major promotion or takes his talents to the independent circuit, Ricochet’s journey will undoubtedly be one to watch.
Stephen’s Insight
Mark Henry’s assessment of Ricochet’s career in WWE provides a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in professional wrestling. Talent alone is not always enough; the ability to navigate the backstage politics and assert oneself in the creative process is equally crucial. Ricochet’s story is a testament to the importance of self-advocacy and strategic career management in an industry where opportunities can be fleeting.
