Ricochet crowned new Intercontinental Champion on SmackDown!
The high-flying Ricochet has been on a role in recent weeks, picking up a number of wins against Superstars such as former World Champion Sheamus.
Meanwhile, Sami Zayn with his Intercontinental Championship in hand continued to have issues with Jackass star Johnny Knoxville. Something which came to a head on the February 25th episode of SmackDown where Knoxville interrupted Zayn’s championship celebration.
After Knoxville insulted Zayn, the former NXT Superstar beat down the Jackass star before heading backstage. Here he met Adam Pearce who offered Ricochet an Intercontinental Title shot.
Fast forward seven days to March 4th and the fast paced bout between Ricochet and Zayn opened the show. The two men went hell for leather, with Ricochet being on the receiving end of an Exploder Suplex on the apron and nasty looking Powerbomb. Despite this, the former United States Champion fought back regaining the upper hand.
However, the bout was interrupted by Johnny Knoxville who came to ringside, distracting Zayn, allowing Ricochet to wrap him up into a pin and score the victory.
Okay @realjknoxville, we see you 👀! #SmackDown@SamiZayn@KingRicochetpic.twitter.com/An4hBKBczj
— WWE (@WWE) March 5, 2022
In recent days it has been reported that the new Intercontinental Champion is in line for a push on SmackDown, as he is seen as the number two babyface on the show. The high-flyer is reportedly behind only former World Champion Drew McIntyre in the pecking order.
Ricochet signed with WWE in January 2018, initially appearing in NXT. During his time on the black and gold brand, he captured the North American Title, alongside winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic with Aleister Black, (Malakai Black).
In February 2019, he arrived on Monday Night Raw, winning the United States Championship in June from Samoa Joe. In early 2020, he engaged in a short feud with Brock Lesnar which saw him challenge for the WWE Championship at Super ShowDown.