Since claiming the WWE NXT Championship, Ricky Saints has sparked debate among fans and critics due to his choice of finisher. Instead of the powerful Spear, a move he frequently favored during his AEW days, Saints relies on the Tornado DDT to close out matches. This decision has drawn some skepticism, with many labeling the Tornado DDT as less impactful compared to the Spear. However, behind the scenes, there’s a clear rationale rooted in WWE’s current booking and character landscape.
The Tornado DDT: A Finisher Under Scrutiny
The Tornado DDT, while a technically sound and visually effective maneuver, is often considered a standard move rather than a definitive match-ender. Since Ricky Saints transitioned to WWE earlier this year, critics have noted that the Tornado DDT feels somewhat “underwhelming” for a top champion’s finisher.
WWE insider and Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer weighed in on this choice, offering important context on why Saints isn’t using the Spear as his finisher anymore. Meltzer expressed his reservations about the Tornado DDT as a finish but acknowledged WWE’s reasoning:
“I don’t think that should be his finish… They don’t want him doing the Spear because too many guys are using it now. But as a pick for a finisher, I don’t think this is a good one. Every Luchador uses that move and it’s never the finish, so when you see it, you don’t think finish.”[1]
This sentiment reflects a broader issue with the Spear in WWE, where it has become a move heavily associated with multiple stars, diluting its uniqueness as a closing maneuver.
Why WWE Avoids the Spear for Ricky Saints
The Spear remains one of the most effective and impactful signature moves in wrestling, used to tremendous effect by numerous WWE main roster stars, including Roman Reigns, Bron Breakker, Jey Uso, and even Charlotte Flair. Its widespread usage has led WWE to limit who uses the Spear as a finisher to maintain exclusivity and impact.
Sources close to WWE indicated that the company is conscious of the need to differentiate finishing moves among its rising and established talent. According to a WWE insider:
“Ricky Saints was great with the Spear on the indie and AEW scene, but here in WWE, the Spear is crowded territory. To keep things fresh and give Saints a unique identity, they suggested the Tornado DDT, even if it’s not as popular. It’s about branding and leaving room for the Spear’s top stars.”[1]
This strategic approach helps avoid oversaturation of a finisher style and encourages wrestlers to develop personalized move sets that stand out on WWE television, especially in promising developmental talents like those on NXT.
Ricky Saints’ Tornado DDT in Action
Despite the criticism, Ricky Saints has effectively used the Tornado DDT to secure significant victories in WWE. He famously won the NXT Championship with this move against Oba Femi last September and again defended his title successfully using the same finisher against Trick Williams at Halloween Havoc 2025[1][3].
While some fans argue that a more explosive finisher would suit a champion of Saints’ caliber, his in-ring storytelling and athletic performances have helped maintain the move’s credibility as a match-ender in NXT’s competitive landscape.
Using the Spear vs. Establishing a Unique Finisher
The Spear is undeniably a high-impact move, but WWE’s roster depth means that overuse can diminish its shock and excitement factor. Stars like Roman Reigns have made the Spear a defining piece of their persona, supported by years of build-up and character work. Similarly, Bron Breakker, a rising main roster talent, uses it prominently to underline his powerhouse image.
Ricky Saints, still in the developmental phase, benefits from cultivating a distinct finishing move. The Tornado DDT, while less flashy than the Spear, complements his hybrid lucha libre and technical wrestling style, downplaying brute strength in favor of agility and precision. This approach aligns well with WWE’s goal of broadening his character’s appeal and ring identity.
Backstage Perspectives on Future Finisher Evolution
Industry insiders speculate that Saints’ finisher might evolve over time as he progresses through WWE’s ranks. An insider close to WWE creative noted:
“Ricky’s finisher might change once he hits the main roster and they find the right moment to introduce a more impactful move, possibly something inspired by the Spear but with his own twist. For now, they’re focusing on him mastering the fundamentals and building a connection with fans.”[1]
This phased development strategy allows WWE to test fan reactions, gauge Saints’ in-ring chemistry, and craft momentum before assigning a signature finisher that will define his legacy in WWE.
Balancing Fan Expectations and WWE’s Creative Direction
Fan discussions online often highlight dissatisfaction with Saints’ finisher choice, comparing it unfavorably against his previous signature Spear and favoring a more powerful move for the NXT Champion. However, WWE’s creative team aims to balance these preferences with overarching storytelling and roster dynamics.
The widespread usage of the Spear on the main roster means WWE must be mindful about finisher uniqueness to avoid repetitiveness. Ricky Saints’ Tornado DDT, though labeled “underwhelming” by some, fits within WWE’s broader strategy to cultivate varied and fresh match conclusions.
Ricky Saints’ journey with his finisher showcases WWE’s broader trend of carefully managing move sets among its talents to ensure each wrestler maintains a distinct identity. While debate continues around the Tornado DDT’s effectiveness, backstage sources confirm that this choice reflects a deliberate creative direction rather than a lack of options. Saints’ finisher may evolve yet, but for now, his Tornado DDT remains a key part of his championship persona and in-ring storytelling.