Ricochet Says He Set a Trap for Dalton Castle at ROH Final Battle, Insults Reporter for Stating He Nearly Lost His Title

AEW National Champion Ricochet made history at last night’s ROH Final Battle 2025 event. He successfully defended his title against former ROH World Champion Dalton Castle. As a result, he became the first AEW champion to successfully defend an AEW championship in Ring of Honor.

Ricochet’s victory also marked his first official ROH match. During the ROH Final Battle post-show media scrum, the AEW National Champion discussed his victory.

When a reporter asked about how beating Castle helps his confidence after nearly losing his title, Ricochet called the reporter “stupid,” explaining that he was setting a trap for Castle throughout the match. Below are some highlights:

Ricochet on Not Wanting To Be Asked Any Stupid Questions

“It’s 12:43 in the morning. Don’t ask no stupid questions. I’m walking out. If I hear a stupid question, if I hear, ‘Who you want to the title against next,’ I’m walking out. Don’t ask me. Nobody!”

On ‘Nearly Losing’ His Title

“Nearly Losing? Brother, brother, brother. Listen to me, listen to me. It’s all mental. It’s all mind games. Just as much as you think it’s physical, it’s all mind games. I was reeling him in the whole time. I was I was I was setting a trap the whole time. I knew what I was doing before the music. I already knew the outcome. Almost losing? Stupid! My confidence is through the roof. What are you talking about? My confidence is higher than it’s ever been. I got a water. I got my title. What else? What else do I need? I just need my wife [Samantha Irvin] here.”

On How He Still Had Long Hair When He First Met Dalton Castle

“I had long hair. … Yeah, this first time we’ve ever been in the ring together. Yeah, it was tonight. I told him on Wednesday, I’m sure you all watched I was going to dispose of you with ease, stay in this miserably cold town so I can make things better for you guys and uh beat somebody tomorrow. Well, that was somebody today. I’ve been up since 8 o’lock this morning doing media all day and now you guys are here.”

Ricochet on The Demand Focusing on Quality over Quantity With Its Ranks

“Listen, it’s quality over quantity. You know what I’m saying? I have the quality. I don’t need quantity. I have the two strongest, two most fierce — [Bishop] Kaun’s a wild card, but he gets the job done. And these two guys obviously proved their worth, and then now I have to show them that I got their backs, and now we’re going to take a over together. And again the Death Riders, The Hurt Syndicate, all those guys again give them the props, strong mean people. But I got the two meanest dogs in the pound, I guess you would say.”

On Someone Needing To Prove They Deserve a Shot at the AEW National Title

“I said earlier, it’s not the Oprah show. We’re not like I think she said, anybody who wants the title, they can have a No, you got to prove to me that you deserve a title shy before I agree to it, Tony [Khan].”

ROH held Final Battle at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio last night. You can check out 411’s official report RIGHT HERE.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit ROH, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.