8 Wrestlers WWE Must Sign For The New Cruiserweight Division

1. Ricochet

Ricochet Dragon Gate
Dragon Gate

Ricochet as Prince Puma is currently lighting up Lucha Underground to supplement his role as a stalwart of New Japan's Junior Heavyweight division which, thanks in part to his significant contributions, is in a state of rude health even after the departure of Prince 'Finn Bálor' Devitt.

Ricochet has drawn the ire of many traditionalists for the choreographed nature of his matches - especially that infamous encounter with Will Ospreay - but there is a place in wrestling for his breathless act. Yes, it could reach even more stratospheric heights of critical acclaim if more attention was paid to selling. Allowing his matches more space to breathe would purvey his matches with a sense of realism - but that would almost miss the point.

The joy in watching a Ricochet match is in the intoxicating effect it has on the senses. In his own, progressive way, Ricochet is subscribing to the sacred tenets of pro wrestling; his matches are worked with a noticeable degree of cooperation, but he is changing the questions.

No longer do we ask: How does that not hurt? Instead, we're asking: How are human beings capable of that?

Ricochet and Ospreay are still forcing us to suspend our disbelief - which is the very essence of the wrestling art.

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Contributor
Contributor

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 current Undisputed WWE 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!