Ricky Gibson’s WWE SmackDown Cameo Leads to ROH Return with Midnight Heat

Kevin Owens temporarily had a unique tag team partner on the September 13, 2024 episode of WWE SmackDown before being joined by Randy Orton.

Owens’ initial “mystery partner” was revealed as Ricky, who was quickly dismissed by Owens with a Stunner to make way for Orton. Together, RKOwens scored a victory over A-Town Down Under.

Although Ricky’s time in the spotlight on SmackDown was brief, it turns out it wasn’t his last appearance in the wrestling scene. Ricky Gibson, one half of the tag team Midnight Heat, surfaced during the ROH tapings held on October 8, 2024, in Spokane. He teamed up with his Midnight Heat partner, Eddie Pearl, to face off against Mason Madden & Mansoor during the taping for HonorClub.

Midnight Heat, consisting of Gibson and Pearl, have also made prior appearances on AEW Dynamite, most notably in a dark match where they teamed with Sid Sylum to battle The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, Evil Uno & John Silver) back in May 2024.

Ricky Gibson may have had a brief and unusual appearance on WWE SmackDown, but his involvement in the wrestling world is still very much alive. His recent appearance during the October 8, 2024, ROH tapings alongside his tag team partner Eddie Pearl as Midnight Heat shows that he’s finding his place in the wrestling scene. Competing in Ring of Honor and even having prior exposure on AEW, it’s clear that Ricky is continuing to build his reputation.

What do you think of Ricky Gibson’s trajectory, and how do you see his career unfolding in ROH or beyond? Could Midnight Heat make a bigger splash in the wrestling industry? Let us know your thoughts!