In a stunning conclusion to WWE NXT No Mercy 2025, former AEW standout Ricky Saints ended Oba Femi’s dominant 264-day reign as NXT Champion, capturing the prestigious title in a thrilling main event. Saints, who earned his title shot after besting Josh Briggs on NXT television, cemented his spot among the brand’s elite by dethroning “The Ruler” in a match that lived up to its hype and showcased both competitors’ incredible talent and resilience.
Ricky Saints Ends Oba Femi’s Historic NXT Reign
Oba Femi entered the match as the clear favorite, defending the NXT Championship successfully 11 times over an impressive 264-day reign. Known for his hard-hitting style and commanding presence, Femi had been the face of NXT’s new era. His confrontation with Saints was highly anticipated after Femi’s recent no-contest battle with Trick Williams, which left fans clamoring for a definitive champion.
Ricky Saints seized the moment at No Mercy, showcasing a mix of technical skill and high-impact moves. The contest was a pulse-pounding back-and-forth battle from start to finish, featuring brutal exchanges, near-falls, and signature maneuvers that kept the FTL War Memorial crowd in Ft. Lauderdale on the edge of their seats. Saints stunned the champion multiple times, including a pivotal Tornado DDT off the announcer’s desk that shifted momentum decisively in his favor.
Match Highlights and Turning Points
The match began with both men exchanging stiff forearms and launching continual offense, displaying equal parts aggression and athleticism. Femi initially appeared in control, sending Saints through the ropes onto the entrance ramp with a vicious forearm smash. However, Saints responded quickly, hitting his signature stunner and sling blade, followed up by a Samoan drop that nearly ended the match.
A key momentum shift came when Saints executed a daring Tornado DDT from the announcer’s desk onto the floor outside the ring a move that stunned Femi and the audience alike. Despite Femi’s furious comeback attempts, including a devastating lariat on the apron and a powerbomb back in the ring, Saints maintained his composure and sealed the victory with a ring Tornado DDT, securing the three-count and the championship.
From AEW to WWE NXT Champion: Saints’ Journey
Ricky Saints’ transition from AEW to WWE has been closely watched by fans and insiders alike. His victory at No Mercy not only signifies a personal milestone but also signals WWE’s growing investment in former AEW talent to elevate NXT’s profile and competitive landscape.
According to a WWE insider, “Ricky impressed everyone backstage with his work ethic and ability to connect with the NXT audience almost immediately. The decision to put the title on him at No Mercy was made to shake things up and inject fresh energy into the brand.” They added, “Saints has all the tools to be a long-term pillar of NXT and could very well be on his way to the main roster sooner than expected.”
The Future of NXT Under Ricky Saints’ Reign
Saints now joins an elite group of wrestlers who have held both the NXT and North American Championships, positioning himself as a major player in WWE’s developmental system with growth potential for the main roster. His reign opens numerous storyline possibilities and fresh rivalries, particularly with former champion Oba Femi, who is sure to seek redemption.
Fans and commentators are already speculating on potential challengers and future NXT contenders, with names like Trick Williams and Josh Briggs expected to remain in the title picture. The dynamic between Saints and these top stars promises to keep NXT’s competitive scene intense and unpredictable.
Fan and Critical Reception
The reaction to Saints’ victory has been overwhelmingly positive from both fans and critics. The match itself earned praise for its intensity, storytelling, and execution, with many highlighting Saints’ ability to deliver a main event-worthy performance so quickly after joining WWE.
Social media erupted with congratulatory messages, acclaiming Saints’ poise and the sheer quality of the match. Various wrestling analysts noted that this title change could mark the beginning of a truly memorable era for NXT under Saints’ leadership.
What’s Next? Projections and Predictions
As Ricky Saints stands atop NXT, attention now turns to his next challengers and the broader implications for WWE’s developmental brand. Maintaining momentum will be critical, as the title change reflects WWE’s intent to push new stars to the forefront.
Industry insiders expect ongoing story arcs to focus on intense rivalries, character development, and high-stakes matches to keep the audience engaged. There is optimism that Saints’ reign could revitalize No Mercy as an annual event and solidify NXT’s place as a launching pad for WWE’s future superstars.