Ricky Saints recently shared candid reflections on his unique role within WWE as he prepares to face Oba Femi for the NXT Championship at this weekend’s No Mercy event on September 27. Discussing his experience and standing in NXT, Saints highlighted how his tenure has shaped his position in a roster full of emerging talent.
Saints Reflects on His Growth Compared to NXT Peers
In an interview with Good Karma Wrestling, Saints openly discussed his journey from being an aspiring wrestler to becoming a figure others now look up to in NXT. He acknowledged the irony of the situation, noting how he once stood where younger wrestlers like Oba Femi currently do. Saints described this evolution with a mixture of disbelief and pride, saying,
“I was in Oba’s position before, and I never thought that I would be in this position. So I guess I don’t really see myself, still to this day, like that. But there are moments where I do pinch myself, I go, ‘Wow, I’m actually the guy that I was trying to learn from years ago.’”
Saints emphasized the connection he feels with younger wrestlers by recognizing the same passion and hunger in their eyes that he had early in his career. He continued,
“To watch these guys, to watch what they have – and you can see it, it’s so evident, you can see it behind their eyes – it’s really cool because it reminds me of myself when I was younger. And I still have the same thing.”
He also spoke about mutual respect between wrestlers at different stages, saying,
“Game recognizes game, and I think being able to identify that and be like, ‘Oh yeah, you’ve got it, you know what it is,’ is such a cool moment.”
“Especially from the amount of time that I’ve been in wrestling and seeing so much stuff, that when I’m seeing it with someone like Oba or Je’Von or Shiloh or anybody like that, it’s like, I can’t wait to see this cultivated. Let’s keep the pot simmering, because it’s gonna be great.”
— Ricky Saints, WWE Wrestler
Mentorship and Influence from Wrestling Veterans
Beyond his perspective on younger talent, Saints spoke about the important mentors who have supported him during his career. He named several notable current and former stars from WWE and other promotions who influenced his path, sharing,
“There’s so many. I say so many, but there’s not that many. There’s a few guys in my life that really helped me. You’ve got the Bryan Danielsons, CM Punks, Codys, Shawn Spears, people like that, that have really along the way helped guide me to this point that I’m getting to.”
Saints also paid tribute to less well-known figures who impacted him, mentioning the late Jax Dane from NWA for his guidance, and expressed gratitude for the support network he has relied on by stating,
“I can’t say that this was a lonesome journey, for sure, there are people who have helped as much as they could, as much as they have been able to help.”
— Ricky Saints, WWE Wrestler
Career Highlights Leading Up to No Mercy
Saints entered WWE’s NXT brand earlier this year in February after previously wrestling as Ricky Starks in AEW. He has built an impressive resume that includes being a former AEW World Tag Team Champion and holding the FTW Championship. Since joining WWE, Saints has claimed the NXT North American Championship, further cementing his rise within this competitive environment.
At No Mercy, Saints will challenge Oba Femi, who currently holds the NXT Championship, putting the title on the line in what is anticipated to be a hard-fought contest. This opportunity represents a critical moment in Saints’ ongoing efforts to establish his legacy within WWE.
The Importance of Saints’ Role and What It Means for NXT
Saints’ reflections reveal a wrestler who is both anxious and eager about his evolving place in WWE, balancing the experience of a seasoned fighter with the drive to support and inspire the next generation. His awareness of his role as a veteran in NXT highlights the significance of mentorship in wrestling’s development pipeline.
As Saints prepares for this pivotal match, his journey symbolizes the broader narrative of growth within WWE, especially in nurturing talents like Oba Femi, Je’Von, and Shiloh. His optimism about the future of these rising stars indicates a positive trajectory for NXT as a breeding ground for future champions.
With No Mercy fast approaching, Ricky Saints’ position in WWE remains one to watch, as he balances his determination to succeed with the responsibility of guiding others, reinforcing his place as a key figure on the NXT roster.
