One of the biggest mysteries in NXT came to an end on the February 18 episode of the show. The man known as Ricky Starks in All Elite Wrestling finally signed his WWE contract, revealing his new name, Ricky Saints. For the last week, fans and media members alike discussed what his name would be, and now that the first hurdle is finally done.
WWE NXT General Manager Ava and Saints were working through a contract signing and in typical fashion, they were interrupted multiple times. First, it would be Ethan Page, a man who took a similar route as Saints, suddenly leaving AEW to pop up in NXT. Before things could escalate, Je’Von Evans ran him off.
Then out came Wes Lee, setting up a match for next week and kicking off Saints’s first feud in his new company. Lee would be knocked over the top rope and Saints signed the contract, as the camera would zoom out to reveal his name.
New name in hand, it’s time for Ricky Saints to get to business
It has been nearly a year since Ricky Saints, then Ricky Starks, took place in a match in a major promotion. He’s picked up wins in various independent organizations in the last few months, but the controversy continued around why Tony Khan would not leverage him on television. The debate is no longer necessary, as Saints, Miro, and Malakai Black were all confirmed to be released from the company.
Saints is the first to show up in NXT and there’s wonder about how he’ll be used in NXT. Does WWE immediately elevate him to the NXT Championship? Oba Femi stands tall as the current champion, and he’s booked as a force in the brand. It would not make the most sense to snatch that title off his waist right now. He’s not main roster-ready, and he doesn’t have much to do without the championship.
But what about the WWE NXT North American Championship currently held by Tony DeAngelo? Even though he’s currently in an angle, either he or Shawn Spears could be credible opponents for Saints and the right pick to drop that championship to him. This should happen much sooner rather than later.
Ricky Saints should not stay in WWE NXT long
Ricky Saints is main roster ready. He’d be a great addition to either Monday Night Raw or SmackDown, as both brands need fresh characters. Saints can play the heel or the over-confident babyface. He’s played both roles well while in AEW. It will be interesting to see his presentation on the main roster, as WWE has shown itself willing to go above and beyond with its booking for former AEW performers. The same should be done for Saints who has main event appeal.
Some of you may want to call him Ricky Starks, his name is Ricky Saints. Call him what you want, fans will be paying attention to how he does while in WWE NXT.