Ricky Saints, the reigning NXT Champion, is riding high on the momentum of his first title reign in WWE. But despite holding the most prestigious championship in NXT, Saints says he still wrestles with a chip on his shoulder—a mindset that has fueled his rise from independent circuits to the top of WWE’s developmental brand.
In a recent interview with WWE.com, Saints opened up about the mentality that drives him, even as he stands atop the NXT mountain. “I don’t care if I’m champion or not,” Saints said. “I still feel like I have something to prove. That’s what keeps me hungry.”
The Road to the Top
Saints, born Richard Starks in New Orleans, Louisiana, has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and resilient performers in modern wrestling. His journey began in 2012 on the independent scene, where he quickly earned respect for his hard-hitting style and sharp promos. He made a name for himself in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), capturing the revived NWA World Television Championship, before joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2020.
During his time in AEW, Saints was a key member of Team Taz, won the FTW Championship, and later captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship and the Owen Hart Cup. But it was his move to WWE in early 2025 that marked a new chapter in his career.
Assigned to NXT, Saints quickly made an impact, capturing the NXT North American Championship before ascending to the top by defeating Oba Femi for the NXT Championship at NXT No Mercy 2025. His reign has lasted 37 days as of November 2025, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
The Chip That Never Leaves
Despite his success, Saints says he still wrestles with a sense of being overlooked. “People always want to talk about where I came from, what I did before WWE,” he said. “But I don’t care about that. I care about what I’m doing now. I’m not here to be liked. I’m here to win.”
According to a WWE insider close to Saints, the champion’s mindset is rooted in his early career struggles. “Ricky’s always felt like he had to fight for every opportunity,” the source revealed. “Even when he was killing it in AEW and NWA, he never got the mainstream recognition he deserved. That’s why he’s so driven now. He wants to prove that he belongs at the top.”
Saints’ chip on his shoulder is evident in his in-ring style. He’s known for his aggressive approach, sharp tongue, and relentless pursuit of victory. “I don’t care if people hate me,” he said. “If you’re not hated, you’re doing something wrong. I’m here to make a statement.”
The NXT Champion’s Message
Saints’ reign as NXT Champion has been marked by a series of dominant performances and fiery promos. He’s not just defending the title—he’s challenging the status quo. “This isn’t just about holding a belt,” he said. “This is about changing the game. I’m not here to be a placeholder. I’m here to mold NXT in my image.”
His message has resonated with fans, who have embraced his no-nonsense attitude and hard-hitting style. “Ricky Saints is the kind of champion NXT needed,” said one fan at a recent live event. “He’s not afraid to say what everyone’s thinking.”
What’s Next for Ricky Saints?
With his chip on his shoulder firmly in place, Saints is focused on the future. He’s already set his sights on bigger challenges, including potential matches against top stars from other WWE brands. “I’m not done yet,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”
According to a WWE insider, Saints is being positioned as a future main roster star. “He’s got the look, the skills, and the attitude,” the source said. “He’s going to be a major player in WWE for years to come.”
Saints’ journey from the independent scene to the top of NXT is a testament to his resilience and determination. And as long as he keeps wrestling with a chip on his shoulder, he’ll continue to push the limits of what’s possible in sports-entertainment.
Final Thoughts
Ricky Saints may be the NXT Champion, but he’s still fighting like an underdog. His chip on his shoulder isn’t just a mindset—it’s a driving force that has carried him to the top and will keep him there. As he said, “I’m not here to be liked. I’m here to win.”
And for Ricky Saints, that’s all that matters.