WWE NXT Champion Ricky Saints has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in the world of professional wrestling since his arrival in the black-and-gold brand earlier this year. After a standout run in All Elite Wrestling, Saints made the leap to WWE in February 2025, and within months, he captured the NXT Championship at No Mercy, defeating Oba Femi in a match that signaled the beginning of a new era for the developmental brand.
Now, as the face of NXT, Saints is opening up about his working relationship with the man behind the scenes—Shawn Michaels, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative. Michaels, a Hall of Famer and one of the most influential figures in wrestling history, has been at the helm of NXT since 2021, overseeing its creative direction and talent development. For Saints, working under Michaels’ guidance has been both surreal and transformative.
A Dream Come True: Saints’ First Impressions of Shawn Michaels
Growing up, Ricky Saints was a die-hard fan of Shawn Michaels. The Heartbreak Kid’s in-ring style, charisma, and ability to captivate audiences left a lasting impression on Saints, who never imagined he’d one day be working alongside his childhood hero.
“I was a big Shawn Michaels fan growing up, for sure,” Saints said in a recent interview. “It’s so funny, every time I see Shawn, I’m just like, ‘Wow, this is crazy. This is Shawn Michaels.’ Every time. It’s a great experience to have because, obviously, you’re learning from a guy who has years and years and years of experience, and he’s been to the very top.”
According to a WWE insider, Michaels has made a point of being approachable and supportive for NXT’s roster, especially for new talent like Saints. “Shawn wants everyone to feel comfortable coming to him with ideas or concerns,” the insider revealed. “He’s not the type to micromanage. He’s more about empowering people to be themselves.”
Creative Freedom: Michaels’ Trust in Saints’ Vision
One of the most notable aspects of Saints’ relationship with Michaels is the creative freedom he’s been given. Unlike some previous regimes, Michaels has allowed Saints to take the lead in shaping his character and presentation, recognizing that Saints brings a unique perspective to the NXT landscape.
“Shawn is awesome, Shawn is great,” Saints said. “I remember one time Shawn pulled me aside and he goes, ‘You know, you’re not a typical babyface, I get it.’ And it’s always good to have that kind of perspective because too often you have someone’s idea of what something is supposed to be, and they try and put it on you, and it’s like, ‘Yeah, it ain’t working. This is a square, you have a round object here, it’s not meant to happen.’”
Michaels’ approach has been to let Saints “run free” creatively, with the understanding that it’s easier to rein someone in than to stifle their creativity from the start. “For the most part, he lets me run free because it’s easier to let somebody run free and then wrangle them in as opposed to putting them in a straight box and they don’t have room to move,” Saints explained. “So I think he appreciates that, and I of course appreciate it because that’s all I ever wanted.”
This philosophy has allowed Saints to bring his own flair to NXT, blending his AEW experience with the WWE style. The result has been a character that feels authentic and fresh, resonating with fans and critics alike.
Building a Legacy: Saints’ Rapid Rise in NXT
Saints’ journey to the top of NXT has been nothing short of meteoric. After signing with WWE in February 2025, he quickly made an impact, capturing the NXT North American Championship before ascending to the main title at No Mercy. His victory over Oba Femi was a defining moment, showcasing his in-ring prowess and ability to connect with the audience.
“Ricky has a chip on his shoulder, and that’s what makes him so special,” said a source close to the NXT locker room. “He’s not just happy to be here. He wants to prove that he belongs at the top, and Shawn Michaels sees that fire in him.”
Saints’ success is a testament to Michaels’ ability to identify and nurture talent. Under Michaels’ leadership, NXT has become a breeding ground for future WWE superstars, with Saints joining the ranks of Trick Williams, Oba Femi, and others who have flourished under his guidance.
Looking Ahead: Saints’ Ambitions and Future Feuds
With the NXT Championship firmly in his grasp, Saints is already looking toward the future. One name that keeps coming up in conversations is Cody Rhodes, a longtime friend and fellow wrestling star. Saints believes that a showdown with Rhodes would be a dream match, both personally and professionally.
“Cody and I have been close friends for several years, and even our families are close,” Saints said. “I think the pair of us could make magic, and our personal history would make for an easy story to tell on television.”
While nothing has been confirmed, sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that the two have discussed the possibility of facing off in the ring. “They both respect each other’s work, and there’s definitely mutual interest in making it happen,” the source said. “It would be a special moment for both of them.”
The Impact of Michaels’ Leadership
Shawn Michaels’ tenure as NXT’s creative head has been marked by a commitment to innovation and authenticity. By giving talent like Ricky Saints the freedom to express themselves, Michaels has helped create a brand that feels dynamic and unpredictable.
“Shawn’s approach is all about letting people be themselves,” Saints said. “He’s not trying to mold everyone into the same mold. He wants us to bring our own flavor to the table, and that’s what makes NXT so exciting right now.”
As Saints continues to make his mark on NXT, his relationship with Michaels remains a cornerstone of his success. For a wrestler who once idolized the Heartbreak Kid, working alongside him is not just a dream come true—it’s a lesson in leadership, creativity, and the power of believing in oneself.
With the future of NXT looking brighter than ever, Ricky Saints stands as a shining example of what can happen when talent is given the freedom to shine. And with Shawn Michaels at the helm, the possibilities are endless.