After losing the NXT Championship to Oba Femi last month at Deadline, Ricky Saints has intensified his pursuit to reclaim the title while adopting a heel persona. Following Oba Femi’s recent victory over Leon Slater on New Year’s Evil, Femi vacated the NXT Championship as he prepares to advance to WWE’s main roster.
On the latest episode of NXT, General Manager Ava revealed that the next NXT Champion would be decided in a six-man ladder match scheduled for February 3rd. Ricky Saints later confirmed a discussion with Ava, resulting in an agreement that exempted him from any qualification rounds, guaranteeing his spot in the high-stakes match.
No qualifying match needed…Ricky Saints has a spot in the NXT Championship Ladder Match on February 3rd! 👊@starkmanjonespic.twitter.com/Z4MoQYYbbG
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
By securing this guaranteed position, Ricky Saints became the first confirmed participant for the ladder match, placing him one step closer to regaining the championship he lost recently.
Context Surrounding the Vacant NXT Title and Ladder Match Setup
Oba Femi’s decision to relinquish the NXT Championship follows his defection to the main roster, creating an opening that has sparked intense competition among top NXT performers. The ladder match format will pit six contenders against each other in a high-risk environment where retrieving the suspended title belt requires both skill and strategy.
The match’s outcome will not only determine the new champion but will also shape the future direction of NXT’s title picture. Ricky Saints’ aggressive character shift and previous reign position him as a central figure in this title chase.
Additional Developments in WWE’s Wrestling Landscape
Meanwhile, other WWE news highlights ongoing narratives and shifts within the roster. A new challenger has emerged to face CM Punk on WWE RAW, intensifying the competition at the top tier. At the same time, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins remains absent from television after relinquishing his title last October, fueling speculation about his return. Fans express disappointment as a WWE Hall of Famer recently faced rejection after training for a comeback, adding to the growing tension within the wrestling community.
Outside of title scenes, Liv Morgan, a former Women’s World Champion, is currently not pursuing the women’s gold, with reasons yet to be elaborated. Additionally, wrestling analyst critiques point to WWE’s rising ticket prices since the TKO acquisition as a growing concern among fans, signaling financial and fanbase challenges for the company.
The Stakes and Anticipation Ahead of the February Ladder Match
The upcoming NXT Championship ladder match on February 3rd represents a pivotal moment for Ricky Saints and the entire NXT roster. For Saints, this match is a crucial opportunity to regain his lost championship and assert his dominance with a new heel identity. For NXT, the ladder match promises to deliver high drama and intense competition, setting the stage for the brand’s future storylines and talent elevation.
As the contest draws near, fan engagement and expectations are mounting, with all eyes on how Ricky Saints and his fellow competitors will perform under the pressure of the ladder match’s unforgiving conditions. The event will likely influence the trajectory of NXT’s championship scene for months to come.
No qualifying match needed…
Ricky Saints has a spot in the NXT Championship Ladder Match on February 3rd! 👊@starkmanjones pic.twitter.com/Z4MoQYYbbG
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
