Fans of indie wrestling have been waiting for the announcement for what feels like an eternity. One of the bigger names outside WWE, and not signed to a contract, is finally signed to a deal as was announced by the WWE on Tuesday.
To casual fans, Ricochet has been known as "that guy" who flies around in YouTube videos, does crazy spots and should one day join WWE. To diehard wrestling fans, Ricochet is known as Trevor Mann and he'll be joining NXT at the Performance Center where he'll be welcomed by a roster of NXT Superstars who will now have to elevate their respective games.
To provide a bit more information to the more casual fan who might not be familiar with Ricochet's work, here are a few things you need to know.
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His Resume
Ricochet's work is everywhere. From the Chikara promotion based out of Pennsylvania to Evolve and Dragon's Gate to NJPW, one YouTube search and you'll find hours of footage that will make you wonder why Ricochet wasn't scouted a long time ago by WWE.
Where his career took the next big step was in New Japan Pro-Wrestling where he is a former three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, a three-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion and the winner of the 2014 Best of the Super Juniors and 2015 Super Jr. Tag Tournaments.
He also wrestled as Prince Puma for Lucha Underground, where he was the inaugural and two-time Lucha Underground Champion.
Why WWE?
He began on the independent wrestling circuit in 2003 and was a small, skinny kid just trying to get noticed. Today, while he's still not large by the standard definition of a pro-wrestler, he's come a long way, mixing both looks and style to become one of the most popular wrestlers in the world.
He's wrestled against some of the WWE's biggest names including Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Akira Tozawa and others. He's one of the most polished wrestlers in the world and his move-set of high-flying and electrifying maneuvers is second to none.
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Signature Moves
One of the areas where Ricochet may have some issues is that incredible variety of moves, many of which have been adopted or made famous by current WWE Superstars.
From a backflip kick used by AJ Styles to a Superman Punch (a Roman Reigns move) or a Running Cutter (similar to an RKO), Ricochet will still have a huge set of moves he can pull off that no one else in the WWE is likely athletic enough to do. What he adds to his arsenal will be fun to watch.
He's also one of the few people who can perform a 630 degree senton and a set of moves so unique, WWE may have to tone his acrobatics down a touch.
Must-See Matches
If you want to get to know Ricochet a little better, he's got a list of matches that are must view.
From his one-on-one with former WWE Superstar Johnny Nitro to 4-Way matches between himself, Akira Tozawka, Kevin Steen (Owens) and El Generico (Sami Zayn) to another classic against Will Ospreay in NJPW, there is no shortage of fantastic bouts that will get you giddy over what Ricochet might be able to do as part of the WWE and against guys like Styles, Owens and some of the WWE's best in-ring performers.
What To Expect
What's next for Ricochet is uncertain. He'll start in NXT and under the tutelage of Shawn Michaels at the Performance Center and he'll get the chance to work against some hungry talent all looking to move up to the main roster sooner than later.
If he becomes part of the 205 Live roster or he gets a complete character overhaul is unknown. He's wrestled under many names so Ricochet as his WWE persona may not be a sure thing.
WWE fans should be excited for 2018 and what that means as far as Trevor Mann is concerned. He's a huge acquisition for the WWE and he brings a set of maneuvers unmatched by anyone in the company.
He's not likely to show up at the Royal Rumble or on any major WWE pay-per-views for a while, but his level of talent won't keep him hidden for long. He's far too good and far too exciting a performer not to get noticed.
Get excited WWE fans. Ricochet is coming and he's about to pop out of your television screens!