Ricky Saints recently spoke on Good Karma Wrestling, sharing insights about his role in WWE NXT following his victory over Oba Fei at the WWE NXT No Mercy 2025 event. As the WWE NXT World Champion, Saints described himself as the “quarterback” for the brand, emphasizing the responsibility and pressure that come with leading the promotion’s roster.
The Weight of Championship Pressure and Leadership
During the interview, Saints reflected on the demands placed on him as the world champion and how that compares to his previous experience as North American Champion. He highlighted the significance of being seen as the leader who guides the entire WWE NXT “pack” toward success. This role, he explained, involves more than just carrying a title – it requires setting an example and helping others reach their goals within the brand.
“I haven’t asked Oba [Femi], but I can see the pressure has worn on him, for sure. I can tell you, as a former North American champion, there’s a pressure that I add to myself on top of the pressure that comes with being the flag bearer. I think with the NXT Championship, it is no different, if not more responsibility, because you are the QB, you are the leader of the pack, and people are looking to you to help guide them to the end zone.”
– Ricky Saints, WWE NXT World Champion
Embracing Pressure as Motivation to Perform
Saints conveyed that while pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming, he views it as a driving force that pushes him to elevate his performance. He acknowledged that admitting one cannot handle pressure would send a negative message, so instead, he chooses to use that pressure constructively in his role as a leader.
“So, I don’t ever want to say, like, ‘That’s so much pressure. I can’t do it,’ right? Because it sets a bad precedent. But I do think that having some pressure is good for me personally, because I have to rise to the occasion. I’m forced to rise to the occasion every time.”
– Ricky Saints, WWE NXT World Champion
Reflecting on Personal Growth and Past Challenges
In a moment of introspection, Saints considered what advice he would give to his younger self, emphasizing resilience and patience. He conveyed a message of hope, focusing on how difficulties eventually resolve, no matter how deep or challenging the setbacks may be.
“Man, I think I would say everything will always work itself out every time, every time. No matter how hard it even gets, and no matter how deep it is, the depths of getting to rock bottom, it will always work itself out.”
– Ricky Saints, WWE NXT World Champion
The Future Implications for WWE NXT Under Saints’ Leadership
With Saints firmly establishing himself as the face of WWE NXT, his self-assigned role as quarterback suggests a new era where leadership extends beyond holding the championship. His focus on guiding fellow talents highlights the potential for growth and unity within the brand. Saints’ acknowledgment of pressure as an essential motivator indicates an intense, driven champion ready to face future challenges and elevate WWE NXT’s status in the wrestling landscape.
