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He may no longer be the North American Champion, but Ricochet is one of those performers who's setting NXT ablaze with his extraordinary talent. There's perhaps nothing that the man cannot do in the ring, and as the post WrestleMania call-ups approach, one wonders if Ricochet will find his footing on RAW, SmackDown Live or in fact, 205 Live.
I had a chance to catch up with him in a special teleconference. Ricochet spoke about a variety of topics, from his TakeOver match against Johnny Gargano to an eventual main roster call up and dream opponents for WrestleMania someday. I had a blast speaking to the 'One and Only'.
What was it like facing Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix?
Ricochet: I've known Johnny for ten years and I've wrestled Johnny all over the world whether it's in China, The United States or Japan or wherever. I've known him as a competitor for a long time.
Johnny's one of the best. On any given night, Johnny could beat anyone, you know what I mean? I have nothing but respect for Johnny Gargano. He's kinda lost right now. He's kinda roaming around in the wrong state of mind. But Johnny Gargano is a fierce competitor.
If you were to have a WrestleMania dream match, who would your dream opponent be?
Ricochet: It's weird. I feel like me and Rey Mysterio could go out and put on a really, really crazy match. But then, someone like me and Randy Orton could also put on a really, really crazy match but in a different way.
Or like me and AJ Styles could go out there and have a really crazy match. Roman Reigns. I don't know. Because there are a lot of different style matches that I like.
As far as dream matches, if I had to pick one and if it was readily available, I'd just have to go with me and The Rock. Purely because he's been my favourite since I can remember watching wrestling.
During your match with Johnny Gargano, did you pay tribute to Will Ospreay with that one spot where you landed on your feet?
Ricochet: No, because I did that spot in 2014. 5 years ago. And then, I've done that same spot a hundred times.
Is there anyone in the independent circuit right now that you want to see in NXT?
Ricochet: I don't really know too many of the guys on the independent scene right now. I mean some people I know right now are Shane Strickland and my friend Jason Cade. I don't really know too many because most of the people I wanted to see are here now, whether it's Matt Riddle or Keith Lee.
Since getting signed to WWE NXT I've really been so busy that I haven't been able to keep up with anything. So I'm kinda behind as far as the independent scene is concerned.
But I'm sure there are so many guys who could probably come in.
Be sure to catch Ricochet on Halftime Heat and also every week on NXT, on the WWE Network!
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