WWE deleted a recent segment featuring Ricky Saints after it faced significant criticism from fans online. The removal occurred shortly after the NXT star’s promotional performance on the March 3, 2026 episode drew widespread disapproval, primarily due to comparisons with a famous act by The Rock. These responses highlight ongoing tension surrounding Saints’ character presentation within WWE’s Stamford-based brand.
Ongoing Comparisons Between Ricky Saints and The Rock
Ricky Saints, formerly known as Ricky Starks during his time in AEW, has frequently been compared to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson because of similarities in style, speech, and persona. These comparisons trace back to his earlier career and only grew stronger following his 2025 WWE debut. Saints himself has acknowledged the resemblance, explaining that it stems from his upbringing in New Orleans and reflects how he is off camera. Despite this, some recent creative choices have intensified fan scrutiny over how closely he mirrors The Rock’s legendary character.
Unfavorable Reactions to Saints’ Musical Promo on NXT
On the March 3 episode of NXT, Saints delivered a musical-style promo akin to Joe Hendry’s signature crowd-participation performances. This segment, however, was poorly received, prompting WWE to delete the clip from its official social media accounts while leaving related footage, such as a subsequent brawl involving Saints and Hendry, still available. The deletion is a rare move that underscores the extent of negative feedback.
WWE has deleted the clips of the poorly received Ricky Saints concert from their twitter, the only clips remaining are of Hendry attacking Ricky.accounts that embedded the video are just left with a dead link now💀💀💀 https://t.co/ckf31jeN9Mpic.twitter.com/DkDOBTB352
?Self Made AO, Twitter user
Fan Criticism Highlights Saints’ Attempt to Emulate The Rock
Many viewers expressed frustration online, arguing that Saints’ recent segment was a misstep, particularly due to its overt resemblance to The Rock’s iconic performances. Several commentators pointed out that WWE risked reinforcing comparisons that Saints has been criticized for throughout his career, which could limit his distinctiveness as a performer.
The last thing I would have a guy who stole 70% of his gimmick from the Rock is have him go out there and do a famous Rock segment that he doesn’t have the skills to pull off.
Fans Mock Saints by Comparing Him More Closely to The Rock
Some fans sarcastically suggested that Saints should fully embrace the parallel to The Rock by adopting a similar persona outright. They joked about potential nicknames and catchphrases to highlight how strongly Saints’ character is linked to The Rock’s legacy, reflecting a mixture of amusement and disappointment among the audience.
F**k it, he should lean into it all the way. Call himself “The Rick, The Champion Of The People, The Most Shocking Man In Sports Entertainment”. People’s Elbow, except he uses his left arm instead. New slogan “If Ya Hear What The Rick Is Saying”. This man really trying to be The Rick.
Uncertain Future for Ricky Saints in WWE
Following the segment deletion and vocal backlash, the direction for Ricky Saints within WWE remains unclear. His ongoing identity challenges, paired with fan expectations and WWE’s creative decisions, will significantly influence his career trajectory in the coming months. It remains to be seen if WWE will adjust Saints’ character to develop a more unique presence or if he will continue to face direct comparisons to The Rock.
WWE has deleted the clips of the poorly received Ricky Saints concert from their twitter, the only clips remaining are of Hendry attacking Ricky.
accounts that embedded the video are just left with a dead link now💀💀💀 https://t.co/ckf31jeN9M pic.twitter.com/DkDOBTB352
— Self Made AO 💫 (@KXNGAO) March 4, 2026
The last thing I would have a guy who stole 70% of his gimmick from the Rock is have him go out there and do a famous Rock segment that he doesn't have the skills to pull off.
— Robo (@RobFran50415650) March 5, 2026
Fuck it, he should lean into it all the way.
Call himself “The Rick, The Champion Of The People, The Most Shocking Man In Sports Entertainment”.
People’s Elbow, except he uses his left arm instead.
New slogan “If Ya Hear What The Rick Is Saying”.
— Stan-ce Stan-ce Revolution (@StanNoLee) March 4, 2026
This man really trying to be The Rick
— Larry YACHT (@DrLarryYACHT) March 4, 2026
