Will Ospreay, the celebrated AEW star known for his breathtaking high-flying maneuvers, has recently opened up about his feelings towards WWE star Ricochet. Despite working for rival wrestling promotions, Ospreay holds Ricochet in high regard, acknowledging him as one of the greatest high-flyers of all time. However, Ospreay’s admiration is tinged with a sense of sadness when he watches Ricochet’s current matches in WWE.
A Legacy Remembered
In an interview with ComicBook.com, Ospreay revealed his deep respect and concern for Ricochet. “I keep up with him all the time and sometimes I get a little bit sad about it,” Ospreay confessed. “I hope he’s not sad and I hope he’s real happy. I keep up with him as much as I can, but I feel like people are forgetting who Ricochet was once upon a time. All of these high-flyers that you see, and myself included, we all took inspiration from Pac and Ricochet.”
A High-Flyer’s Struggle
Ricochet, who made waves on the independent circuit and in promotions like Dragon Gate before joining WWE, has faced inconsistent booking since his arrival in WWE. Although he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the inaugural Speed Champion earlier this year, Ospreay believes that Ricochet’s talent is being underutilized. The Speed Championship, defended in five-minute matches exclusively on X (formerly known as Twitter), seems like a poor fit for someone of Ricochet’s caliber.
“The fact that they only value his time for under five minutes is appalling to me,” Ospreay remarked. “I just want people to remember who he is. If you go and look at 2012-2013 Dragon Gate Ricochet, he was untouchable at the time. When it came to this generation of high-flyers, he was the greatest. He’s the greatest high-flyer ever. I know it sounds weird, but I do include him on the same level as Rey Mysterio.”
Hopes for the Future
With Ricochet’s WWE contract reportedly set to expire in 2024, Ospreay is hopeful that his peer will consider moving to a promotion where his abilities can be showcased more prominently. “I think a lot of fans would love to see him in a company where he’s given the time and creative freedom to truly shine,” Ospreay stated. This sentiment is echoed by many in the wrestling community, including fellow wrestler Dijak, who has also hailed Ricochet as the greatest high-flyer in history.
The Broader Impact
Ospreay’s comments underscore a broader issue within WWE regarding the utilization of high-flying talent. Wrestlers like Ricochet, who have revolutionized the sport with their aerial prowess, often find themselves constrained by the promotion’s format and booking decisions. This has led to a growing chorus of voices advocating for these athletes to be given more significant opportunities to showcase their unique skills.
A Call to Action
The wrestling world watches closely as Ricochet’s contract nears its end, with fans and fellow wrestlers alike hoping for a change that will allow him to return to the form that made him a standout in the first place. Ospreay’s heartfelt reflections serve as both a tribute to Ricochet’s past achievements and a call to action for his future, urging for a scenario where Ricochet’s talents are celebrated and utilized to their fullest potential.
