Is Ricochet Vince McMahon’s Next Victim? + AJ Styles Being Protected

Ricochet is one of the most exciting superstars to watch in the ring, but that is not stopping Vince McMahon from burying him. In fact, many believe Ricochet will be Vince’s next bury project, following the cases of EC3 and Cedric Alexander. Other superstars in the WWE are being protected heavily; this includes legend AJ Styles. So, let’s dissect each situation and find out more about the direction the company is taking with these superstars.

Squash Match Against Brock Lesnar

Management’s feelings toward Ricochet became painfully clear at Super ShowDown. Ricochet was scheduled to take on Brock Lesnar for the title, but it wasn’t even a fight. It was a squash match where Ricochet did not even get a single hit in.

Contrary to other NXT stars, Ricochet only spent minimal time in NXT. He was pulled up to the main roster rapidly, only to be buried in the manner he was at Super ShowDown. Although, Wrestling Observer Radio remains somewhat hopeful.

“I don’t know what the mentality is. Obviously… Ricochet’s done. I mean maybe they will… but, it’s Vince! You know he may change his mind next week, but this week he’s done. He’s so done. You know this was a burial without a doubt.”

Despite being buried in that match, Ricochet still made sure he was selling his opponent’s moves. Many people have refused to sell moves in the past when they suffer a loss like that. But, Ricochet remained the professional he is and sold Brock Lesnar like a champ. Maybe Vince McMahon should take notice of that too?

AJ Styles Being Protected By WWE

Not everyone is receiving harsh treatment at the hands of WWE management. In fact, AJ Styles is being heavily protected at the moment. To truly understand in which way he is being protected, it is worth looking back to his last couple of matches.

At the Royal Rumble, Styles got a shoulder injury after a spear from returning WWE superstar Edge. Since then, he has been on TV, but has done little in terms of actual wrestling matches. Even at the Super ShowDown gauntlet match, it was noticeable that Styles took few bumps.

Even though we can only speculate about the reasons why Styles is being protected, it could be very straightforward. The injury Styles suffered at the Royal Rumble can still be at play. He may be cleared to wrestle, but his chance of a more serious injury could be increased. In other words, It is highly possible that the WWE are holding their hand over Styles until he is fully recovered.

You also need to think about the fact that Styles is scheduled to face The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 36. A serious injury would kill his feud with The Undertaker, which will put many people in seats. From a business point-of-view, it makes sense that the company does not want Styles getting injured again before that match takes place. So, while we expect less wrestling from Styles in the nearby future, we cannot wait for his actual match with The Undertaker!