50 Best Wrestlers Of The 2020s (So Far)
45. Ricochet
One of the improbable comeback stories of the 2020s (in the fact that he should have never needed to come back from anything, let alone do so with a completely new character), Ricochet has combined his jaw-dropping athleticism with a fresh mean streak to set the second half of his decade up to be even better than the first.
After mixed fortunes in WWE run filled with potholes typical of the Vince McMahon era and a familiar indifference from the Triple H regime, the 'One & Only' parked a presumed lifetime of middling tag runs and occasional highlight reel spots for something brand new across the divide, and the move was a shrewd one. Initially marketed as the same style of babyface, AEW fans quickly made their feelings clear on where the former Tag and United States Champion should be, and both promotion and performer pivoted in kind.
His compelling heel turn added layers to his character, blending a cocky arrogance with his high-risk style, and his work opposite Swerve Strickland and Mark Briscoe in particular demonstrated his versatility and ability to adapt to different wrestling styles while maintaining his renewed bite. Debuting for the challenger brand when exhaustion with new talent felt at a peak, Ricochet has reversed opinions from critics and made work for himself and others simply by highlighting how the very best can still unexpectedly maximise their minutes.