Ricky Saints delivered a significant moment in the world of pro wrestling by capturing a key WWE NXT victory in a dramatic end-of-year showdown. The Ricky Saints WWE NXT victory came less than a year after his move from AEW to WWE, marking a major shift in his career and shaking up the NXT landscape.
Rapid Ascent to NXT Prominence After AEW Departure
Ricky Saints made an undeniable impact since joining WWE NXT in February, following his departure from AEW. Arriving on the black and silver brand that same month, Saints wasted no time establishing his credentials. Within weeks, he claimed the North American Championship, holding onto the title for 56 days before turning his attention to even greater heights in the promotion.
He then captured the NXT Championship, reigning at the top for a 70-day stretch. Eventually, Saints surrendered the title back to Oba Femi—the very competitor he originally defeated for the championship. This setback proved pivotal, signaling a darker turn in Saints’ persona and setting the stage for tense rivalries to follow.
Rivalry Ignites After Dramatic Loss
The aftermath of losing the NXT Championship left a visible mark on Ricky Saints. On the first NXT episode following Deadline, Saints shocked fans by betraying Je’Von Evans, dashing Evans’ bid for the NXT title. This underhanded action transformed Saints’ image, with him officially turning heel and igniting a fierce feud between the former friends.
Evans quickly sought justice for the interference. Eager for redemption, he cashed in his championship opportunity against Oba Femi on the episode after Deadline, nearly achieving victory. However, Saints interfered by dragging the referee out of the ring, preventing a decisive win for Evans. The personal animosity escalated further after Saints put Evans through a table two weeks prior to their match, prompting Ava to announce a showdown between the two on the latest NXT event.
Intense Match Culminates in Controversial Win
The highly anticipated match delivered an explosive encounter between the once-allied competitors. Their contest was characterized by high intensity and blistering speed, captivating the audience from the outset. In the heat of action, the momentum shifted when Evans accidentally struck the WWE official with his signature OG Cutter move, briefly halting the bout.
Spotting his opportunity, Saints resorted to questionable tactics, delivering a low blow to Evans, followed quickly by his finishing move—the Roshambo. A replacement official entered the ring, witnessing Saints hit his finisher once again on Evans, and made the crucial three-count to award Ricky Saints the controversial victory. The outcome left fans divided, giving Saints both triumph and notoriety at the close of the year.
Impact on NXT and What Lies Ahead
This latest Ricky Saints WWE NXT victory underlines his continuing evolution as a competitor and villain, introducing new twists to ongoing NXT storylines. The bad blood with Je’Von Evans now promises more intense encounters in 2026. Meanwhile, veterans like Triple H, John Cena, and other key figures in WWE continue to watch the brand’s developments, as emerging storylines shape the future of wrestling entertainment.
WATCH OUT BELOW!!! 🤯@WWEJeVonEvans pic.twitter.com/bGkFfwCJ0F
— WWE (@WWE) December 31, 2025
