Ricky Saints has reached a major milestone by capturing the WWE NXT Championship, marking a turning point for the brand. He defeated Oba Femi, known as The Destroyer, at the NXT No Mercy event, ending Femi’s 262-day reign and signaling the start of the “Absolute Era” in WWE NXT.
Saints expressed a mixture of relief and excitement after his victory at No Mercy. His win was unexpected for many, given Femi’s dominant hold over the NXT Championship for most of the past year. This transition not only crowns Saints as the new WWE NXT Champion but also sets a fresh tone for the brand moving forward.
Reflecting on the Title Win and the Beginning of the Absolute Era
The match against Femi was a defining moment for Saints, who described the experience as a culmination of unlikely achievements. He credited his supporters, believing that their encouragement helped him overcome the challenges on his path.
“What a wild ride so far. You know, I’m not one to be at a loss for words, but tonight’s different. Tonight is very very special. Tonight is a culmination of things that I didn’t think was possible, but I made it so. And not just me. People who supported me, people who believed in me, fans–everybody. And now, the Absolute Era truly begins,” Ricky Saints said.
With Saints wearing the championship belt, WWE NXT enters a new chapter. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how Saints’ reign influences the direction of the show and the level of competition in the black and silver brand.
The Defeat of a Long-Reigning Champion
Oba Femi’s tenure as NXT Champion was marked by dominance and consistent defenses that established him as one of the promotion’s most formidable figures. His 262-day reign was one of the longest in recent memory, creating a significant upset when Saints ended it at No Mercy.
Femi’s loss has sparked speculation about his future within WWE, with rumors suggesting he could soon be elevated to the main roster. WWE has a history of promoting strong talents who have made significant impacts in NXT, and Femi’s departure from the title scene could symbolize a shift to new challenges ahead.
Ricky Saints’ Ambitions Beyond NXT
As the new WWE NXT Champion, Ricky Saints has set his sights on bigger stages. One of his stated ambitions is to wrestle in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, an iconic venue known for hosting some of wrestling’s most prestigious events. This dream is particularly significant given the recent changes to WWE’s WrestleMania plans, which moved the 2026 event from New Orleans to Las Vegas.
Despite the venue switch, Saints remains focused on securing an opportunity to compete at the Superdome, whether soon or in the more distant future. During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, he emphasized his determination to seize any chance to perform at the historic arena.
“To wrestle in the SuperDome. That’s all I want, and I’m going to make it happen. If that opportunity presents itself a month from now and that’s the lead up to it, I’m taking it. If it’s a month or 12 months, the impact of me in NXT will be felt. There is no doubt about that,” he said.
Saints’ focus on the Superdome highlights his ambition to transition beyond NXT and make a mark on WWE’s biggest platforms, including WrestleMania and main roster events.
What Lies Ahead for Ricky Saints and WWE NXT
Now recognized as the face of NXT, Ricky Saints carries the responsibility of elevating the brand during his championship run. How successfully he connects with fans and defends the title could directly influence WWE’s decision to promote him to the flagship shows like RAW or SmackDown.
At the same time, the conclusion of Oba Femi’s reign signals a new era for WWE NXT’s competitive landscape. The “Absolute Era” introduced by Saints suggests a period of renewed intensity and high stakes matches, increasing anticipation among the WWE Universe for the coming months.
Saints’ journey from challenger to champion, coupled with his clear goals for the future, positions him as a central figure in WWE’s evolving storylines. As the NXT brand looks ahead, his leadership and performances will likely shape the promotion’s identity and direction on the road to the upcoming WrestleMania season.
"Tonight is a culmination of things I didn't think was possible."
After a wild ride to the top of #WWENXT, @starkmanjones is ready to usher in the Absolute Era. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/CBZlLlghRg
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) September 28, 2025
