Ricky Saints, formerly known as Ricky Starks, recently reflected on a pivotal match in his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) career that helped fans recognize his star potential. Speaking ahead of WWE’s NXT Vengeance Day event, Saints pinpointed a high-stakes strap match against Bryan Danielson at AEW All Out 2023 as a defining moment. However, he also pointed to a lesser-known eight-man tag team match from the early days of AEW Collision as a key experience that solidified his understanding of the wrestling business.
During an interview on The Battleground Podcast, Saints recounted teaming with CM Punk and FTR against Jay White, Juice Robinson, and The Gunns in Toronto. This early Collision bout, only the show’s second episode, left a lasting impression on Saints as a moment where he truly felt his potential come to life.
Memorable Moments: The Strap Match and the Tag Team Bout
Saints emphasized the significance of both matches, explaining the personal impact each had on his journey.
“That’s hard, because I felt it twice. Obviously the Bryan Danielson match that I had, the strap match, was really great,”
he said.
“But there’s also a sleeper match that I don’t think people really remember. It was a big tag match. It was me, Punk, FTR against The Gunn Club. It was in Toronto. It was amazing, that was such a great feeling that I had where I go, ‘Wow, I get it. I get it now.’ So I think those two are like standout in my mind of that type of scenario. And it still happens, it’s still happening for some people.”
— Ricky Saints, Wrestler
The strap match with Danielson offered a prominent platform for Saints, but the tag match with Punk and FTR supplied an earlier, more subtle confirmation of his rising status. Both contests helped shape the trajectory of Saints’ career as he transitioned from an emerging talent into a recognized star in professional wrestling.
The Role of Fan Passion and Wrestling’s Social Media Divide
Having moved to WWE after his AEW tenure, Saints remains aware of the division among fans and promotions, especially on social media. He noted how passionate wrestling followers immerse themselves in their favorite companies and wrestlers, even if those allegiances sometimes create online tribalism. Despite this, Saints views the passion positively, describing it as a meaningful connection among fans.
“I think it’s a little bit more sensitive and touchy just for the fact that we’re all on social media, so it’s a little more saturated. But then when you actually go out into the crowds and you go to these live events — like in Nashville, no one cared,”
Saints observed.
“There were people who were fans of me from AEW, people who were fans of me from NWA, people who are fans of me now. They all mesh, they all share a commonality. I do think that it is kind of cool, to a certain degree, that people have such an ownership and stake in a specific company or a specific wrestler. I like the fondness of that, because if you ain’t got passion for your team, then what are you doing?”
— Ricky Saints, Wrestler
This insight highlights how in-person wrestling events often transcend online disputes, uniting audiences through shared enthusiasm.
The Flourishing Landscape of Professional Wrestling Today
Saints also remarked on how the professional wrestling scene has evolved since his early days competing in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He sees the current era as a particularly rewarding time for fans, with more promotions and opportunities available than ever before.
“Think about 2018, right? Think about 2019,”
Saints said.
“When I was in NWA, it was just NWA and WWE. That was it. And then you had, of course, New Japan and stuff like that. But it’s a great time to be a fan of professional wrestling.”
— Ricky Saints, Wrestler
His perspective underscores how the explosion of wrestling promotions worldwide creates a richer, more vibrant experience for followers and performers alike.
Upcoming NXT Championship Match at Vengeance Day
Looking ahead, Ricky Saints is preparing to challenge Joe Hendry for the NXT Championship at the upcoming Vengeance Day premium live event, scheduled for this Saturday. A victory would mark Saints’ second reign as NXT Champion since joining the WWE brand in February 2025, further cementing his standing within the company.
Saints’ journey from AEW sleeper matches to a top contender in WWE’s NXT highlights a career marked by steady growth and moments of breakthrough. His story exemplifies the resilience and dedication required to advance in today’s dynamic wrestling industry.
