On March 3rd, WWE NXT aired a segment featuring Ricky Saints that was later removed from social media due to poor fan reception. The segment, which contained the phrase “I believe in Ricky,” echoed Joe Hendry’s well-known catchphrase but did not resonate well with the audience. This removal marks an unusual occasion where WWE takes down content without a scandal or controversy driving the decision.
Context Behind The Removed Segment And Its Impact
Reported by Fightful, the deletion of the segment came as a surprise because WWE typically only pulls content when significant issues arise. The Ricky Saints segment was part of the promotional buildup to WWE NXT: Vengeance Day, where Saints attempted but ultimately failed to capture the WWE NXT World Championship from Joe Hendry. Fans expressed dissatisfaction with the segment’s execution, leading to its quiet removal.
Instances like this are rare, although WWE has previously avoided posting moments that might provoke fan negativity, such as Hulk Hogan’s farewell appearance on RAW, which was withheld due to backlash from fans. The handling of Saints’ segment reflects the promotion’s sensitivity to audience response, especially when it comes to developing new talent on the NXT brand.
Significance And What Lies Ahead For WWE NXT Talent
This incident highlights the challenges WWE faces in connecting with fans while introducing or promoting wrestlers through NXT. Ricky Saints, despite the setback, remains involved in NXT storylines, but WWE’s swift action in pulling the clip may affect how future segments are planned and released. The company’s attentiveness to fan feedback illustrates an ongoing tension between creative decisions and audience expectations within the wrestling community.
