Wrestling veteran on why Ricochet isn't a main event star in AEW (Exclusive)

Ricochet showed up in AEW after a six-year stint with WWE. He has since re-ignited his rivalry with Will Ospreay, teased a feud with Swerve Strickland, and went toe-to-toe with Kazuchika Okada in the Continental Classic semi-final. However, a wrestling veteran is convinced Ricochet isn't a main-event star in the Jacksonville-based promotion yet and fans have got to do with him not being on the level.

Speaking on a recent edition of Live Q&A on Backstage Pass, Bill Apter addressed a fan question on AEW's current direction for the former WWE star. The Hall of Famer journalist noted that fans weren't willing to buy the real-life Trevor Mann as a main-event player in Tony Khan's promotion.

"I think it's too far gone to make him an upper level. I just don't think the fans are going to buy it. I do like, you know, they just got the whole heel persona and maybe, he's a member of MVP's gang there at this point, you know, since he keeps showing off the business card, but I just don't see him up in the main event." [From 08:29 onwards]

While Apter praised Ricochet's in-ring skills, he maintained that he'd been stuck in the midcard for a long time to make fans question his potential move to the main event level.

"He's a great worker, but I think they've had him on such a mid level for such a long time, I don't know if the fans are going to buy him on an upper level." [08:53 onwards]

AEW seemingly planted seeds for Ricochet versus Swerve Strickland with a promo segment at Worlds End. It remains to be seen if both men come face-to-face on Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen this Wednesday.

Check out the complete Live Q&A with Bill Apter and WrestleVotes only on Backstage Pass.