Ricky Saints, long before his official WWE signing, made appearances as enhancement talent during the early 2010s, already aiming to secure a permanent spot in the company. On the Battleground Podcast, he revealed that a specific encounter with WWE star Ryback deeply influenced his determination to make WWE his lasting professional home.
The Defining Ryback Incident Sparked a Fire
Saints described the experience where he was physically put through a table by Ryback backstage during a pre-taped segment. Unlike live matches, this backstage moment had Saints portraying an arena worker who clashed with Ryback in catering, resulting in him being slapped and then slammed through a table. Though Ryback did not warn Saints about the slap beforehand, Saints reflected positively on the challenging experience.
“I really think it was [when] I got put through a table by Ryback,” Saints said. “I had to do that stuff three times. … That was a moment where I go, ‘Wow, this will be the funniest story when I come back here and take it over.'” ?Ricky Saints, Wrestler
Resilience Through Tryouts and Independent Success
Following an early WWE tryout that yielded no direct response, Saints still made another guest appearance in WWE. He vowed to himself that his return would not be as a temporary performer but as a full-time talent. His persistence led to achievements in other wrestling organizations like the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), before eventually securing his place in WWE.
Significance of Saints’ Journey and Future Prospects
Saints’ journey from minor WWE roles and tough setbacks to building a name on the independent circuit underscores his dedication to his WWE career goal. The defining moments with Ryback helped cement his aspiration, fueling his motivation to succeed in the industry’s top tier. His ongoing progression highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience in professional wrestling, suggesting promising opportunities ahead within WWE’s landscape.
