Surprising Name Says AEW Wouldn’t Exist Without Them

An AEW star thinks they laid the foundation for the company’s creation in 2019.

Prior to signing with WWE, Ricochet was one of the most in-demand stars on the planet thanks to a string of stunning displays across the independent scene and in Japan.

While Ricochet wasn’t the only wrestler to make a name for themselves during this period, Will Ospreay among others has admitted he was leading the charge.

With the independent scene booming and a stacked NJPW roster turning heads, AEW launched in 2019 and quickly added several of these stars. Despite being with WWE at this point in his career, Ricochet believes he played a huge role in the Tony Khan-led promotion’s successful launch.

Ricochet Laid The Groundwork For AEW

During an appearance on The Hot Tag Podcast, Ricochet examined his role in AEW and the wider wrestling world. The star went as far as saying that without him, his current employer wouldn’t even exist.

“I’m not saying that I’m the sole reason. I’m just saying, if there wasn’t Ricochet, there would not be AEW. I’m not saying I’m the sole reason that has happened.”

Ricochet explained that his matches with the likes of PAC and Will Ospreay in NJPW, Dragon Gate, and PWG created an environment where AEW could thrive.

“Everything I feel I have done in my past career helped set up a world where AEW can exist. I’m not saying it’s just me. It’s me, it’s The Young Bucks, it’s Kenny Omega, it’s Ospreay, it’s everybody but I’m just saying. Without Ricochet, there would be no Ospreay really. All of the guys are passionate. Without that there would be no AEW…”

Since signing with AEW, Ricochet has renewed his rivalry with Ospreay, but both men lost out to Konosuke Takeshita in a three-way match at WrestleDream.

Ricochet is currently taking part in the Continental Classic and was most recently in action on the December 6th Rampage taping.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co