In one of the most shocking surprises of the year,Ricky Saints, one of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling, signed with WWE after being released from AEW the same month. In less than two months, Saints defeated Shawn Spears to win the NXT North American Championship, signifying thatWWEwas set on building their future with him included.
Ahead ofWrestleMania 41,and his first championship defense against Ethan Page atNXT Stand and Deliver, Saints spoke toScreen Rantabout his big win, what it means to him, and what he’s enjoyed so far about being a part of the company.
Ricky Saints Feels Vindicated With His Championship Win
“It’s A Huge Testament To My Ability”
With his first appearance in WWE coming shortly after his official release from AEW,Ricky Saints debuted to major fan excitement and widespread acclaim,as well as a brand new name.After leaving AEW allegedly due to creative frustration, then being awarded a championship quickly, Saints said he felt vindicated by the win and that, regardless of how fast it happened, success has no limitations.
It’s a huge testament to my ability that I’ve always believed in myself, obviously. It’s a huge testament to people that have believed in me as well. It’s crazy. It’s a wonderful time. A lot of people say, ‘Wow, that happened so quick.’ To me, there’s no timeline on how quick success happens. It’s all due to determination and getting after it.
Saints, a former FTW Champion and the 2023 Men’s Owen Hart Cup Winner, is no stranger to success or gold, but after a tumultuous exit from AEW,he finds himself in a prime position with WWE, ready to make his name and set his new course.
Ricky Saints Has A Lot Of Favorite Things About WWE
“I Would Say It’s Meeting Different People”
WWE fans are known for bringing their energy, good or bad, to all the WWE Superstars and events. When asked about his favorite thing about working for WWE, Saints said it washard to pickhis favorite thing.
My favorite part, I would say it’s the traveling. I would say it’s meeting different people. Man, there’s so many parts. That’s hard. That’s a tough question. I think just meeting different fans and experiencing the energy that they have for this weekend.
Live crowds, like the one atFriday Night SmackDownlast night, will consistently tell you where they sit when it comes to their favorites, or even the ones they’re souring on.The energy is at peak capacityforWrestleMania 41, and Saints is certainly feeling the excitement as he heads into his first defense against Ethan Page.
NXT Stand and Delivertakes place from the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, April 19th in Las Vegas, NV, and can be seen on Peacock domestically and Netflix in most international markets.
