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Tony Khan could introduce a former WWE Intercontinental Champion to AEW for the 2024 edition of Blood and Guts. The star in question is none other than Ricochet, who is reportedly on his way out of WWE and could potentially compete in the hotly anticipated, albeit brutal, matchup.
On the June 12, 2024, episode of Dynamite, Nicholas Jackson brought up the achievements of The Elite since the group restructured over the past few months, concluding with a reminder of their victory over FTR, Darby Allin, and Bryan Danielson in Anarchy in the Arena at Double or Nothing 2024. He called out the AEW locker room for not believing in The Elite's capacity for violence before proceeding to challenge the best of the roster to face them at Blood and Guts on July 24.
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Although no details are yet known as to the wrestlers who will represent All Elite Wrestling against The Elite, the addition of a major star like Ricochet could add legitimacy to the program and raise audience interest in the storyline.
Ricochet's WWE contract is set to expire next month
After nearly six years in WWE, Ricochet is expected to be departing from the Stamford-based company. Recent reports have claimed that the 35-year-old star's contract with the sports entertainment juggernaut is set to run out in July. Although the former United States Champion was expected to make at least one more television appearance for the company, RAW announcer Michael Cole's remarks regarding Ricochet from the latest episode of the Monday-night show could be suggesting that the star is set to move on from WWE.
The former PWG World Champion was annihilated by Bron Breakker on RAW last week and was seen being driven to a local medical facility, accompanied by his fiancee, Samantha Irvin. Many fans are of the opinion that the segment was intended to write Ricochet out of WWE programming. Since his contract will expire in July, The Human Highlight Reel could be contractually free to appear and wrestle at Blood and Guts, unless he is prevented from doing so by a non-compete clause.
Ricochet has experience in Blood and Guts-style matches
Ricochet is no stranger to matches like Blood and Guts. In 2018, the former Prince Puma teamed with Pete Dunn and The War Raiders to defeat The Undisputed Era in a WarGames match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames in Los Angeles, CA. AEW's version of the iconic match-type operates under certain similar rules, but with its own unique norms and presentation.
Previous editions of Blood and Guts in AEW have featured many unforgettable acts of in-ring athleticism and chaotic violence. As a high-flyer with formidable technical skills, Ricochet is likely to flourish in the match if he opts to sign with AEW after his contract expires.
Ricochet to join Team AEW or The Elite?
On Dynamite last week, Matthew Jackson offered reigning AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland to join The Elite as their fifth member. However, The New Flavor rejected the EVPs' offer, seemingly solidifying his commitment to the All Elite Wrestling locker room.
While Swerve appears likely to join Team All Elite Wrestling against The Elite, his arch-rival Adam Page could potentially reunite with his old stable and take the fight to Strickland at Blood and Guts 2024. The Anxious Millennial Cowboy is reportedly set to make his return imminently and is expected to continue playing a heel. If the Hangman does compete at Blood and Guts, he is likely to side with The Elite.
At that point, Strickland could potentially find an ally in Ricochet should the latter choose to go All Elite. Both men have previously appeared on Lucha Underground, and have faced each other on the independent scene, thus providing them enough backstory to be teammates at Blood and Guts. Alternatively, Ricochet could shock fans by turning on Swerve and joining The Elite, which would elevate the faction even further through the addition of the highly popular superstar.
It remains to be seen whether and when Ricochet makes his debut in AEW, and whether he can perform at Blood and Guts 2024.
