Ricochet Officially Signs With WWE
WWE have finally announced the signing of one of the biggest indie stars in the world.
WWE have officially announced the signing of Ricochet, revealing that he has joined the Performance Centre in Orlando, Florida.
Over the past few years, the 29 year old has become one of the most popular wrestlers outside of WWE - thanks in no small part to his incredible agility and in-ring innovation. Regularly cited as one of the best high-fliers in wrestling, his series of matches with Will Ospreay shifted the landscape of wrestling, sparking debate over the use of flips, dives, and general acrobatics in matches.
In their story on WWE.com, Ricochet's new promotion describe him thusly:
'Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 188 pounds, Mann brings an astonishing assortment of aerial moves to the ring. He first earned notoriety in Japan for an eye-popping double-moonsault, and his 630° senton remains one of the most potent weapons in his arsenal. Mann, who credits [Eddie] Guerrero, Rey Mysterio and The Rock as three of his in-ring influences, was inspired to pursue sports-entertainment after watching The Great One and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin do battle at WrestleMania XV.'
Ricochet enjoyed a very successful 2017, becoming the only man to win PWG's 'Battle of Los Angeles' tournament for a second time. He also poignantly captured the PWG World Championship, his first reign despite being a company mainstay for many years.
He has also found success over in New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is a three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and won the prestigious Best of the Super Juniors tournament in 2014.
Ricochet will be familiar to fans of Lucha Underground, where he was a central figure in the guise of Prince Puma - the first Lucha Underground Champion.
It will be interesting to see where Ricochet first crops up in WWE. His in-ring style would make him a natural fit for 205 Live, but his worldwide renown could perhaps see him better suited to the NXT roster.
Over the past few years, the 29 year old has become one of the most popular wrestlers outside of WWE - thanks in no small part to his incredible agility and in-ring innovation. Regularly cited as one of the best high-fliers in wrestling, his series of matches with Will Ospreay shifted the landscape of wrestling, sparking debate over the use of flips, dives, and general acrobatics in matches.
In their story on WWE.com, Ricochet's new promotion describe him thusly:
'Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 188 pounds, Mann brings an astonishing assortment of aerial moves to the ring. He first earned notoriety in Japan for an eye-popping double-moonsault, and his 630° senton remains one of the most potent weapons in his arsenal. Mann, who credits [Eddie] Guerrero, Rey Mysterio and The Rock as three of his in-ring influences, was inspired to pursue sports-entertainment after watching The Great One and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin do battle at WrestleMania XV.'
Ricochet enjoyed a very successful 2017, becoming the only man to win PWG's 'Battle of Los Angeles' tournament for a second time. He also poignantly captured the PWG World Championship, his first reign despite being a company mainstay for many years.
He has also found success over in New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is a three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and won the prestigious Best of the Super Juniors tournament in 2014.
Ricochet will be familiar to fans of Lucha Underground, where he was a central figure in the guise of Prince Puma - the first Lucha Underground Champion.
It will be interesting to see where Ricochet first crops up in WWE. His in-ring style would make him a natural fit for 205 Live, but his worldwide renown could perhaps see him better suited to the NXT roster.
Written by Jack King
jack.king@cultaholic.com Twitter: @JackTheJobber
