Ricochet Fires Back At Critics After Shock NJPW Appearance

Ricochet is a man on a mission.

Since leaving WWE back in June, Ricochet has appeared more fired-up than he has in years. Prior to signing with the sports entertainment giant in 2018, the high-flyer was regarded as one of the most impressive talents on the planet, something which many felt got lost over the subsequent six years.

However, Ricochet is determined to change that narrative.

At NJPW Power Struggle, the star attacked IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. after his successful title defence against Shingo Takagi. Despite wearing a three-piece suit and dress shoes, Ricochet hit the champion with a springboard clothesline before laying down a challenge for Wrestle Dynasty.

Ricochet – “I’m Still The F*cking Man”

During the backstage press conference, Ricochet addressed his challenge to Sabre Jr and said his actions were motivated by a bigger aim. The star said some people seem to have forgotten about what he achieved before landing in AEW, so they’re about to get a reminder that he’s the “f*cking man.”

“I came back to New Japan Pro Wrestling to prove a point. That point is that I, Ricochet, am still the man around here. Seems like everyone has just forgotten about the things that I have done. Seems like everyone has just forgotten about the career that I have had. It seems like people have forgotten what I’ve done here in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

So what better way to make an impact than to just come out and challenge the champion. Zack and I, we traveled the globe together. Whether it’s been all across America, Europe, Germany, Australia, even here in Japan. We’ve traveled the world, we’ve battled all over.

But Zack, it’s different. You’re different, I’m different, we’re at a different time in our lives. I may have been gone, I may have taken a little hiatus for a while but I am back and I am still the f*cking man around here.

So at January 5th, people are gonna find out all over the world that I am not from here, I am out of this world.”

Elsewhere at Power Struggle, Kenny Omega gave the biggest hint yet that he’ll be back in the ring in early 2025. Omega said he’d love to face one of NJPW’s young stars, potentially at Wrestle Dynasty in January. After cutting his promo in the ring, Omega got into a scuffle backstage with Gabe Kidd.

H/t to Fightful