The Self-Destruction Of Seth Rollins

Bandido Will Ospreay
NJPW

Rollins responded, on June 23, in a manner as condescending as it was without credibility—this, after writing off Cageside Seats as “dorks”. He stood by his original statement “even more”, even after his roundly-jeered, over-booked disaster against Baron Corbin on Sunday night.

“Ahhhh I’m sorry little guy. We already have a better version of you here and he just won his first US Title tonight (Congrats @KingRicochet). Keep working hard though buddy!”

In tone, this tweet read like the sort of grating heel promo beloved of Alexa Bliss, Ruby Riott, Stephanie McMahon, his opponent on Sunday. He would use the arrogant, quintessentially WWE language a day later, indicating the extent to which he is encased in the bubble.

In content, it was very easily countered. On May 27, 2016, Ospreay and Ricochet wrestled an infamous match in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Those who loved it loved its stunning, next-level athleticism and aerial work. Those who loathed it loathed its convoluted, accelerated sequencing and coordinated video game posturing. Amongst the most divisive matches ever, its narrative, ironically, united the two combatants. They were mirror images of one another; this informed the incredible drama.

Who wins in a pulsating battle of total parity?

In the years since, Ospreay has eclipsed Ricochet—not through much fault of Ricochet’s own. Both were neck and battered neck in 2018, as Ospreay continued to star in NJPW, and Ricochet’s act somehow enhanced the stratospheric NXT product. In 2019, Ospreay refashioned himself as ripped killer, working in perfect synergy with NJPW’s production department to devise an awesome new spot. He counters his opponents’ deadliest weapon by landing on his feet after multiple rotations. His opponents sell this, in turn, as a near-supernatural feat. Ospreay’s badass expression covers the foreground of a shot cinematic in its artistry.

The opposite is true of Ricochet, post-main roster call-up. WWE’s over-production has stunted his progression. On RAW, every babyface must endure several chinlocks as part of WWE’s match layout formula. ‘The One and Only’ is no exception.

CONT'D...(2 of 5)

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!