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Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
AEW's Ricochet Breaks Silence On Heated Exchange With WWE Superstar
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. All Elite Wrestling star Ricochet recently broke his silence regarding a highly publicized and heated social media exchange with WWE NXT wrestler Je'Von Evans. He also took the opportunity to elaborate on the creative freedom he has experienced since joining AEW, during an exclusive interview on the Battleground Podcast released today, May 14, 2025. The online confrontation between the two acrobatic stars quickly went viral last week. It began when Ricochet responded to a fan on X (formerly Twitter) who praised the 21-year-old Evans as the "best young prospect in wrestling," with Ricochet stating he would "squash" the NXT talent. This initial comment sparked a fiery back-and-forth. Evans said, "My Bad. I Just Got Done Training At The Performance Center, Under Shawn Michaels. Something That You Don't Have Or Do BUT, I Bet Yo Brown Egg Head Ass Would Squash Me If Tony Told You To🤷🏾♂️Much Love OG❤️🔥" More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Ricochet then referenced his own extensive experience and accomplishments. "Brother, I was learning from Shawn Michaels when you was like 12. Then went on to become multiple time Champion. Let me know when you win one, little boy," Ricochet posted, adding he would indeed beat Evans if AEW owner Tony Khan requested it. The exchange took a sharper, more personal turn when Evans mocked Ricochet's current position in AEW and controversially referenced AEW's owner, Tony Khan. "Now, You're Wrestling In Front Of 2,000 People, Every Week, For A Crackhead. Talk About An Upgrade Am I Right??😂... You Had To Come For A Successful Ass Youngin💯" Evans posted before later deleting his tweets. TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 29: Cesaro and Ricochet compete during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 29, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 29: Cesaro and Ricochet compete during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 29, 2019 in Tokyo, added: "How many people does the PC hold? Bahahaha but keep up the energy. It makes you look cool." Ricochet appeared unfazed when he discussed the incident and the subsequent fan backlash during the Battleground Podcast interview. With a smile, he commented, "A lot of people seemed upset about it." He suggested his current, often more abrasive heel persona in AEW is a reflection of his true self. "I think what I'm doing is just living my life... I'm finally just kind of living my own life and now everyone's just getting a chance to see it really," Ricochet explained. Ricochet, who competed for WWE for six years before opting not to re-sign and making his AEW debut at All In last August, credited his current environment for revitalizing his passion for the business. He had previously stated that his WWE experience "ruined my love and passion" for wrestling. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Superstar To Make AEW In-Ring Debut
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Zach Gowen, known for his inspiring WWE run as the first one-legged professional wrestler, is set to make his official in-ring debut for All Elite Wrestling. He will face "The One and Only" Ricochet at the upcoming AEW Dynamite: Beach Break special on May 14, 2025. This highly match follows a recent shocking incident on AEW Collision. Gowen, who was in attendance with his family, was brutally attacked by Ricochet, who callously used Gowen's prosthetic leg as a weapon. In response to the controversial assault, AEW President Tony Khan announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Gowen would receive an opportunity for retribution. This Dynamite: Beach Break encounter will mark Gowen's first wrestling match since October 2024. This Wednesday, May 14 Chicago, IL 8pm ET/7pm CT, on TBS + Max Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite Beach Break@KingRicochet vs @ZachGowen After Ricochet assaulted Zach Gowen in front of his family on #AEWCollision tonight, they'll fight 1-on-1 at Beach Break Dynamite THIS WEDNESDAY! — Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 9, 2025 Gowen's journey in wrestling is remarkable, having overcome childhood cancer, which led to the amputation of his left leg. He first captured mainstream attention during his memorable, albeit brief, tenure with WWE in 2003-2004. His WWE debut on SmackDown in May 2003 was unforgettable; introduced as a fan, he came to the aid of Mr. America (Hulk Hogan) during an attack by "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Sean O'Haire. The segment famously saw Piper remove Gowen's prosthetic leg, instantly establishing his courageous character. TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 29: Ricochet and Cesaro compete during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 29, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 29: Ricochet and Cesaro compete during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 29, 2019 in Tokyo, news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This led to a prominent storyline where Gowen allied with Mr. America against Vince McMahon. He notably refused to join Mr. McMahon's "Kiss My Ass Club," culminating in a singles match between them at the Vengeance pay-per-view in July 2003. Gowen also "earned" his WWE contract by teaming with Stephanie McMahon to defeat The Big Show in a unique handicap match, with assistance from Kurt Angle and then-WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. During his time, he also faced Lesnar in a series of intense, one-sided encounters that highlighted Lesnar's dominance. Despite facing other top stars like Matt Hardy and John Cena, WWE released Gowen in February 2004. He has since attributed his short run to immaturity at the time, though he left an indelible mark as an inspirational figure. Now, years later, Gowen steps back onto a major national stage in AEW. His match against the high-flying Ricochet is part of a loaded Dynamite: Beach Break card. The same show will also feature AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defending against Samoa Joe in a steel cage match. Additionally, Will Ospreay will team with "Hangman" Adam Page against Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander, and a Women's World Title eliminator four-way will occur. The wrestling world will be keenly watching as Zach Gowen seeks redemption against Ricochet. It remains to be seen if the veteran can overcome the aggressive tactics of his opponent in this deeply personal AEW debut. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
