Backstage Update on Ricochet Possibly Leaving WWE

– As previously reported, it’s rumored that WWE Superstar Ricochet has given his notice to WWE that he doesn’t intent on signing a new contract when his current deal with WWE expired, and he plans on leaving when it’s up. More details have no surfaced on Ricochet’s WWE status.

Dave Meltzer with F4WOnline.com is reporting that it may not be a cut and dry situation with the former WWE Speed, US, and Intercontinental Champion leaving the company. Meltzer noted that, “according to those close to the situation, everything is up in the air.” This conflicts with the earlier report from PWInsider that Ricochet gave his notice to the company that he’s leaving.

Fightful Select also has an update on the matter, with the report noting that the Superstar is “likely” leaving the company, and WWE is now said to be preparing as if he is indeed leaving. While Fightful was unable to confirm if Ricochet gave his notice that he intends on leaving, there is reportedly belief within WWE that there is a “high likelihood” of the veteran Superstar leaving the company, and he’s expected to eventually sign with AEW.

Additionally, Fightful reports that creative measures were taken to write Ricochet off in the event he does leave in the company. His dropping the WWE Speed Championship to Andrade during last week’s TV tapings were part of that prepartion. Also, there WWE creative soruces informed Fightful that there are other pitches on the table on how to effectively write Ricochet off of TV if needed. One of those creative plans reportedly involves Bron Breakker taking out the former Speed Champion.

Fightful also reports that AEW talent and staff backstage were told about Ricochet possibly joining the company last week. However, there’s no word of any talks between the two sides, which makes sense, as Ricochet is still under WWE contract. While nothing is set in stone, as of last Friday, all indications were that Ricochet decided that he would be leaving WWE.

Besides AEW, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is reportedly interested in the 35-year-old wrestler. Ricochet is a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion and NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion in New Japan. He also competed against Will Ospreay in a classic match in the Best Of The Super Junior XXIII in New Japan.

As previously noted, Ricochet’s WWE contract is set to expire later this summer. Fightful reports that his contract is said to expire during “the first half of the summer.”