Ricochet is weighing in on the AEW vs. WWE debate—and he’s not pulling any punches.
On May 31, the former WWE star took to Twitter to react to Will Ospreay’s strong stance on released WWE talent not being guaranteed a spot in All Elite Wrestling. Ospreay, speaking on The JJRBTS Podcast, made it clear he doesn’t believe AEW should serve as a safety net for former WWE wrestlers who get cut, unless they’ve proven themselves elsewhere first.
Ricochet saw the clip circulating online and gave his brutally honest take by quote tweeting the post and writing: “He’s ugly as hell, but he’s not wrong.”
Ospreay’s full comments were a message to those who think AEW is a free fallback plan. He praised talent like Speedball Mike Bailey who earned their way through the grind, rather than those who expect a contract after a WWE release.
“I think, like, for example, one of the guys that has come through now — Speedball Mike Bailey — who was just like the indie king at one point. He was just going everywhere and just putting on some of the greatest matches ever. And I think that’s what, like, we’re looking at more now instead of guys that just got let go from WWE.”
He continued, saying that while he feels for the released stars, AEW’s bar is too high for people to just walk in without earning it.
“My heart goes out to them all, but I just think, like, we’re looking for guys that are just appreciative of this position and just, like, who are grafting and improving the markets elsewhere, instead of just being like, ‘Uh, got let go from WWE,’ and just instantly assume that they can come here.”
Ospreay emphasized that AEW wants talent who go out and show their worth elsewhere first.
“Like, go out and, like, prove to other people that you’re wanted. And I feel like — yeah. My heart goes out to all of them, but I think it should never just be assumed like, ‘Oh, I got let go here, I can just walk into AEW.’ It’s like — no, bro. Like, the bar’s too high now.”
Ricochet’s tweet is particularly interesting considering rumors continue to swirl about his future in pro wrestling following his WWE exit. The jab at Ospreay’s looks was lighthearted, but the agreement with his stance may be telling. Ricochet knows firsthand what it takes to thrive on the independent scene, having built a reputation long before stepping into a WWE ring.
Whether Ricochet ends up in AEW or elsewhere remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—he’s not expecting a handout, and he respects the bar that Ospreay is setting.
Do you agree with Will Ospreay and Ricochet? Should released WWE talent prove themselves again before joining AEW? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.