The rivalry between Trick Williams and NXT Champion Ricky Saints has become one of the most compelling storylines in WWE’s developmental brand, with their Last Man Standing Match on November 11, 2025, serving as a brutal culmination of months of tension. However, what many fans may not realize is that Williams initially harbored serious doubts about Saints as a championship-caliber competitor before their encounters intensified.[1][2]
The Unexpected Rise of Ricky Saints
When Ricky Saints first began his ascent through the NXT ranks, few predicted he would become the face of the brand’s championship picture. The NXT Champion has proven to be a formidable force, displaying a level of intensity and brutality that caught many observers off guard. His willingness to engage in the type of warfare that defines Last Man Standing competition has redefined expectations for what an NXT Champion should represent in the modern era.
According to sources close to WWE’s creative team, Saints’ meteoric rise was initially viewed as a transitional push designed to elevate mid-card talent. His transformation into a credible title holder, however, exceeded internal projections. The chemistry between Saints and Williams, despite—or perhaps because of—their mutual disdain, has captivated NXT audiences week after week.
Williams’ Initial Skepticism
Trick Williams has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and his candid assessment of the Ricky Saints situation provides valuable insight into the psychology behind their feud. Williams reportedly viewed Saints as little more than a temporary placeholder when rumors first circulated about a potential championship program between them. The idea that this particular opponent would be the one to test his mettle for the NXT Championship seemed, at least initially, unlikely to Williams.
“I never thought he’d be the one,” Williams expressed regarding Saints, according to backstage sources. This statement encapsulates the broader sentiment that existed within the locker room—Saints was talented, certainly, but championship material? That remained to be seen.
A Bitter Rivalry Forged in Combat
What has transpired since that initial skepticism tells a different story entirely. The bitter rivalry that developed between Williams and Saints has evolved into something neither man anticipated. Their Last Man Standing Match showcased a level of hatred and intensity that transcended typical championship competition.[1][3] The match featured devastating strikes, creative weapon usage, and moments where both competitors appeared genuinely concerned about whether they could beat the count.
The visceral nature of their encounters has transformed Saints from a question mark into a legitimate championship presence. Williams, to his credit, has never downplayed the significance of his rival’s development. Instead, he has acknowledged that facing Saints has forced him to evolve as a competitor and understand that championship-level talent can emerge from unexpected places.
The Psychology of Underestimation
This storyline represents a fascinating case study in professional wrestling psychology. Underestimating an opponent is a classic narrative device, but when executed properly—as it has been in the Saints-Williams program—it creates a compelling dynamic where both competitors have something to prove. Williams must prove he was right to eventually respect Saints’ abilities, while Saints must continue validating his position at the top of the card.
The Last Man Standing stipulation, which forces competitors to remain standing after a count of ten to win, proved to be the perfect battleground for this rivalry. These matches reward endurance, resilience, and the ability to inflict maximum punishment while remaining vertical. Saints’ performance in this environment demonstrated that he possesses more than just technical wrestling ability; he has the mental fortitude required to excel at the championship level.
Impact on NXT’s Direction
The Saints-Williams feud has significant implications for NXT’s direction moving forward. With a champion who has proven capable of thriving in high-stakes matches and a challenger who continues to push him to new limits, the brand has established a compelling storyline that appeals to both longtime fans and newer viewers. The elevation of Saints has created uncertainty within the title picture, which is precisely what championship programs should accomplish.
The fact that Williams initially viewed Saints as a stand-in speaks volumes about how unpredictable professional wrestling can be when executed at the highest level. This unpredictability keeps audiences engaged because outcomes remain genuinely uncertain. When a champion can overcome a challenger’s preconceived notions of his abilities and prove himself through in-ring performance, the resulting narrative becomes organic and compelling.
Looking Forward
As the Saints-Williams saga continues to develop, the foundation has been laid for multiple future encounters. Whether Williams remains in pursuit of the championship or moves on to other challenges, his acknowledgment of Saints’ legitimacy serves as an important validation within WWE’s locker room culture. In professional wrestling, nothing carries more weight than peer respect, and Williams’ evolution from skeptic to grudging admirer of Saints’ abilities demonstrates how character development can enhance the overall product.
The pair’s chemistry in the Last Man Standing Match proved that sometimes the most compelling feuds emerge from unexpected combinations. Williams’ initial doubts about Saints have been thoroughly dispelled through sustained character development, in-ring performance, and storytelling that has kept audiences invested in their personal war.[1][2][3]
Conclusion
Trick Williams’ candid reflection on his preconceived notions about Ricky Saints provides a human element to their rivalry that elevates it beyond standard championship program territory. What began as skepticism has transformed into recognition of legitimate talent and ability. As WWE NXT continues to establish itself as a premier brand, storylines like this one—where wrestlers genuinely seem to despise one another and where outcomes feel uncertain—represent the type of compelling television that builds long-term fan investment. The Saints-Williams feud stands as testament to how professional wrestling, when done properly, can transform initial doubts into unforgettable moments of athletic combat and storytelling excellence.