Ricky Saints claimed the NXT Championship at NXT No Mercy, defeating the dominant Oba Femi in a surprising turn of events that captured the attention of wrestling fans worldwide. This remarkable victory on the WWE NXT stage marks a significant milestone for Saints, who had recently transitioned from AEW to WWE under high expectations and scrutiny.
Rising from AEW to WWE Stardom
Before joining WWE, Ricky Saints was known as The Absolute in AEW’s Jacksonville-based promotion, where he was regarded as one of their top prospects. Despite the promotion’s efforts to establish him as a future star, Saints opted to leave and join WWE, quickly becoming a prominent figure on its NXT brand. His journey included challenges and setbacks, but he eventually positioned himself as a leading contender for the NXT Championship.
Oba Femi, the reigning champion before NXT No Mercy, had been an unstoppable force, maintaining an undefeated streak that left many doubting anyone could dethrone him. Saints’ victory over Femi was therefore unexpected, shaking up the landscape of NXT and solidifying his status as a major player in WWE.
Support and Reactions from Wrestling Community
Following his impressive title win, Ricky Saints received widespread recognition from WWE’s top talent as well as fellow wrestlers from other promotions. Daniel Garcia, a member of the Death Riders stable and a former AEW champion, publicly congratulated Saints on social media. Garcia’s acknowledgment highlighted the respect Saints has earned from peers across different wrestling organizations.
Behind the Scenes of Ricky Saints’ WWE Signing
Ricky Saints’ transition from AEW to WWE happened swiftly, surprising fans who watched him make his debut on NXT just days after his AEW release. The 35-year-old spoke candidly about his WWE signing during his appearance on the podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About? He revealed that WWE executive Triple H initiated contact, setting up a meeting that played a major role in his WWE career advancement.
“Triple H called me. Just got off a flight to Seattle actually, and he called me and I was just like, ‘Uh,’ like I didn’t know the number, and it didn’t say Stamford or anything. So, I was like who is this? And I always answer it. Even if it’s an unknown, I’ll always answer. Basically, what he was saying was, ‘Hey, we’re not gonna put you on RAW or SmackDown just yet.’ I didn’t know, I said ok. But he wanted me to meet Shawn (Michaels), and so that was like a big thing. I was like, ‘Of course I will,’” said Ricky Saints.
The Importance of Mentorship and Future Prospects
The meeting with Shawn Michaels, a legendary WWE figure, underscored the company’s commitment to developing Saints carefully before thrusting him into bigger spotlight platforms such as Raw or SmackDown. WWE’s strategy seemed focused on nurturing Saints through NXT, allowing him to build credibility and perfect his craft in a highly competitive environment.
What Lies Ahead for Ricky Saints as NXT Champion
Ricky Saints’ emergence as the new NXT Champion represents a pivotal moment for both the star and WWE’s NXT brand. His triumph over Oba Femi interrupts what seemed like Femi’s unstoppable reign and opens opportunities for fresh rivalries and storylines. As a former AEW standout, Saints’ success in WWE adds unpredictability to the wrestling world, prompting fans and analysts to watch closely for his next moves.
With strong endorsements from figures like Daniel Garcia and guidance from established WWE personalities, Saints is poised to influence NXT’s evolving hierarchy. How WWE capitalizes on his momentum and integrates him into the broader roster will be crucial for his continued rise and the brand’s excitement in coming months.
