Ricochet Reflects On WWE Not Hiring Him In 2013: “Best Thing That Could’ve Happened”

The One and Only was a recent guest on the Edge and Christian’s Pod of Awesomeness hyping his upcoming NXT North American Championship matchup against current title holder Adam Cole. Besides admitting that he’s somewhat intimidated by his Takeover opponent, Ricochet reflects on his time bouncing around the independent circuit discovering his identity within the pro wrestling world. A big reason he had the freedom to do such things was a failed attempt at the WWE in 2013, or as he calls it, a blessing in disguise.

I did my tryout in 2013 and even then, I just went into it like, ‘I’m going to kill this tryout and give it my all and do my best’. For some reason, even then, I didn’t actually think I would get a job from it. I don’t know why, too small, whatever it was, I don’t know. I just didn’t really have the state of mind to think, ‘I’m going to get hired’. But I did definitely go into it thinking, ‘I’m going to kill this tryout and show them that I want to be here.’ And I think they said that they didn’t have anything for me at the moment, which was maybe the best thing that could’ve happened to me at the time because that’s when, 2013, 2014, that’s when things really started to take off and I really started grasping the concept of, like, how to make a match, and match style, and who I’m working with, so it was a good thing I didn’t get hired [by WWE], I feel like because it got me to where I am now and the position that I’m in now.

Ricochet has more than paid his dues, and it’s wonderful to see him finally reaping the benefits after years of intense physical strain. Can he use all the tools he’s learned to best the Undisputed Era’s leader?

Guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Check out the full episode here.