A WWE talent has revealed details about his genuine friendship with the Undisputed Champion, Cody Rhodes, a bond that existed before he entered WWE. Ricky Saints and Cody Rhodes have a longstanding connection that began during their time in AEW, well before either joined WWE’s roster.
The friendship between Saints and Rhodes gained attention when Saints visited Rhodes backstage at the 2023 Royal Rumble, while still part of AEW. Now that both wrestlers are part of WWE—Saints competing on NXT and Rhodes on SmackDown—their off-screen relationship remains strong in the midst of their separate career paths.
Behind the Scenes: How Their Friendship Endures Beyond Wrestling
Ricky Saints, a former NXT North American Champion, recently spoke about the nature of their friendship during an interview with Good Karma Wrestling. He described Rhodes as a supportive figure who has helped him in many aspects of life, not just inside the squared circle.
“He’s a really good dude, great dude. Has helped me out tremendously, in wrestling, outside of wrestling, with my family. My family loves him, I love his family.”
Saints expressed heartfelt appreciation for Rhodes beyond their professional relationship.
Saints also emphasized the personal side of their connection, stating,
“To me, he’s just Cody, I don’t think of him as anything like, ‘WWE Champion!’ – that’s just my man right here. He’s doing his damn thing, you know.”
– Ricky Saints, WWE NXT Superstar
Recent Career Highlights for Both Wrestlers
On the WWE stage, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his WWE Championship at the recent Wrestlepalooza event, overcoming Drew McIntyre to retain his title, solidifying his position as the company’s top champion.
Meanwhile, Ricky Saints is set to challenge Oba Femi for the NXT Championship at the upcoming No Mercy premium live event on September 27. This rivalry marks an important step in Saints’ career trajectory within WWE’s developmental brand.
What This Friendship Means for WWE and Fans
The enduring friendship between Saints and Rhodes highlights the personal bonds that wrestlers build outside of storylines and character portrayals. Their relationship, grounded in mutual respect and support, reflects the human side of a highly scripted industry. For fans, knowing about these genuine connections adds depth to their appreciation of the performers and the challenges they face both on and off screen.
As both wrestlers continue to advance in their WWE careers, fans will likely see more moments where their real friendship influences their professional journey. Ricky Saints’ upcoming NXT title match is a significant opportunity that could further elevate his standing within the company, with Cody Rhodes’ ongoing reign as WWE Champion continuing to anchor the brand’s flagship show.
