Ricky Saints is gearing up for a major opportunity to claim the NXT Championship at the upcoming No Mercy event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on September 27th. After quickly establishing himself in NXT since arriving from AEW, Saints secured his spot as the top contender by defeating Josh Briggs on the August 26th episode of NXT.
Ricky Saints’ Rise and Title Challenge
Since transitioning from AEW to WWE’s NXT, 35-year-old Ricky Saints has rapidly built his reputation by capturing the NXT North American Title in just his third appearance. His early success sparked a heated rivalry with fellow AEW alumnus Ethan Page, who eventually claimed the North American Title from Saints and introduced a new belt design celebrating his Canadian heritage. Although Saints was sidelined during the Heatwave event, he made a strong statement by confronting reigning NXT Champion Oba Femi after Femi’s successful title defense against Je’Von Evans.
Saints’ victory over Josh Briggs earned him a chance to challenge Oba Femi for the NXT Championship at No Mercy, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense and highly anticipated matchup for the coveted title.
Other Key Matches Headlining the No Mercy Event
Ricky Saints’ championship bout is one of several title matches scheduled for No Mercy. The card also features a defense of the NXT Women’s Championship by Jacy Jayne, who recently lost the TNA Knockouts Title at Heatwave. Jayne will face Lola Vice in a high-stakes contest as she aims to retain her NXT women’s gold.
Additionally, WWE’s Speed Championship has moved to NXT, prompting a four-woman tournament to determine the number one contender for Sol Ruca’s women’s Speed Title. Competitors from WWE, TNA, AAA, and NXT will battle, with the winner earning the right to challenge Ruca for the Speed Championship at No Mercy.
Challenges Beyond No Mercy in WWE and AEW
While No Mercy focuses on NXT’s rising stars, other wrestling developments continue to make headlines. WWE’s plans for SummerSlam were impacted when a major NBA star expressed interest in joining John Cena at the event, though the idea had to be dropped. There are growing concerns about Cody Rhodes’ health, with accusations that WWE is hiding the true severity of his condition.
Meanwhile, former world champions and AEW stars are addressing their futures amid title wins and roster changes. Notably, Jake Hager recently shared his personal picks for wrestling’s “Mount Rushmore,” adding perspective to ongoing conversations about wrestling legends. Fans also wonder if Jack Perry’s AEW return could be imminent after a lengthy absence, following notable entrances at Forbidden Door.
Why Ricky Saints’ Upcoming Match Matters
The upcoming Ricky Saints NXT Title Showdown represents more than just a championship bout; it highlights the continual rise of new talent crossing over from other promotions and making an impact on WWE’s developmental brand. His journey from a quick North American Title win to challenging for the main NXT Championship demonstrates his growing significance in the wrestling world. A victory for Saints could mark a defining moment in his career and shift the balance in NXT’s competitive landscape as the brand approaches the fall season.
