Ricky Saints has officially said goodbye to NXT, marking the end of an important chapter in his wrestling career. After months of hard work and strong performances, he is now ready to step onto a bigger stage — the WWE main roster. Fans who followed his journey in NXT saw how quickly he grew, and now his move to SmackDown feels like the natural next step.
A Meaningful Farewell in NXT
Ricky Saints had his final match at the WWE Performance Center, where he faced rising talent Shiloh Hill. In a classic wrestling move, Saints helped “pass the torch” by giving the spotlight to a new star.
After the show ended on The CW Network, Saints spoke to the crowd in an emotional moment. He thanked fans for supporting him from day one and for making him feel at home in NXT.
He even mentioned how fans chanted his old name, reminding him of his roots and journey.
From AEW Exit to WWE Rise
Before joining WWE, Saints had a long run in All Elite Wrestling. He spent nearly five years there before negotiating his release.
His arrival in WWE came shortly after, and it wasn’t an easy transition. Adapting to a new system, new audience, and different style of storytelling took effort.
Saints openly admitted:
- He didn’t fully know what to expect
- The journey was challenging at times
- But he stayed focused and kept improving
This honesty made fans connect with him even more.
Quick Success in NXT
Despite the challenges, Saints proved his talent very quickly. By August last year, he had already achieved a rare milestone — winning both major titles in NXT:
- NXT Championship
- NXT North American Championship
This showed that WWE trusted him and saw him as a top performer.
Behind the scenes, he credited many people for his success, including Shawn Michaels, who plays a key role in NXT creative.
Gratitude for Fans and Team
During his farewell speech, Saints made sure to thank everyone:
- Fans who supported him every week
- Staff working behind the scenes
- WWE team members who helped him grow
He spoke with real emotion, saying he might not have reached this level without their support.
His message was simple — he is grateful and proud of what he achieved in NXT.
What’s Next: SmackDown Debut
Now, Saints is set to debut on WWE SmackDown, one of WWE’s biggest platforms. His first appearance is expected in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and fans are excited to see how he performs on the main roster.
Here’s a quick look at his journey:
| Stage | Highlights |
|---|---|
| AEW Career | 5-year run, strong reputation |
| WWE Arrival | Joined NXT after AEW exit |
| NXT Success | Won two major titles |
| Final Match | Faced Shiloh Hill |
| Next Step | SmackDown debut |
Ricky Saints’ journey from AEW to NXT and now to SmackDown shows his determination and passion for wrestling. His farewell speech was not just about leaving NXT, but about appreciating the people who supported him along the way. While his time in NXT was short, it was impactful and full of achievements. Now, as he prepares for a bigger stage, the expectations are high.
If he continues with the same energy and focus, there is a strong chance he could become one of WWE’s top stars in the coming years. Fans will surely be watching closely as this exciting new chapter begins.
