Ricky Saints Bids Emotional Farewell to NXT Ahead of SmackDown Debut

Key facts

• Ricky Saints lost to Shiloh Hill on the April 28 edition of NXT in his final match on the brand.
• Saints debuted on WWE SmackDown on May 1, 2026, at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• He interrupted Cody Rhodes during the opening segment, leading to a match being set up between the two.
• Saints won the NXT North American Championship a few months after his NXT debut on February 11, 2025.
• He is a former NXT Champion and NXT North American Champion.
• Saints was part of AEW before joining WWE, where he was both a heel and a fan-favorite.
• He is close friends with Cody Rhodes, having accompanied him to the Royal Rumble years ago.
• Saints' call-up is part of a wave of main roster debuts including Ethan Page, Joe Hendry, Sol Ruca, and Jacy Jayne.

Emotional Farewell After Final NXT Match

Ricky Saints delivered a heartfelt post-show promo after his final NXT match on April 28, a loss to Shiloh Hill. The 36-year-old former champion thanked the fans, production staff, coaches, and trainers for their support during his year-long run on the brand. “I’d be lying if I said this was all a very easy transition, but it was not, and that is okay,” Saints said, addressing the crowd after the cameras stopped rolling. He recalled his debut on February 11, 2025, when fans chanted his former ring name, Ricky Starks, and made him feel welcome. Saints specifically named several behind-the-scenes personnel, including “Jim, Cameron, Teddy at the merch stand, Christian, Howie, Huntley, and Big Rome,” expressing gratitude for their role in his journey. He closed by asking fans to watch him on SmackDown, saying, “If this is the last time that you may see me in this NXT ring, then thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Main Roster Debut on SmackDown

Saints made his main roster debut on the May 1 episode of SmackDown, which aired from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The appearance came after weeks of speculation following his call-up announcement alongside several other NXT talents. During the show, Cody Rhodes opened the segment, only to be interrupted by Saints. The two engaged in a back-and-forth exchange that led to a match being booked between them. Rhodes referenced their shared history in AEW, asking how things would be different this time. Saints responded by saying Rhodes is now “damaged.” The confrontation marked a significant first impression for Saints on the main roster, as he stepped up to the WWE Champion. The two are known to be close friends, with Saints having accompanied Rhodes to the Royal Rumble in previous years.

A Year of Triumph in NXT

Saints’ NXT tenure began on February 11, 2025, when he made his long-awaited WWE debut after spending years in AEW. Within months, he captured the NXT North American Championship, a title he held during his run on the brand. He also became NXT Champion, though he did not secure another title reign before his call-up. His final match on April 28 ended in defeat against Shiloh Hill, a result that did not diminish the emotional weight of his farewell. Throughout his NXT stint, Saints transitioned from his AEW persona, with fans initially chanting “Ricky Starks” before embracing his new identity. He credited the NXT audience for helping him remember who he was during a challenging period.

Background: From AEW to WWE

Before joining WWE, Saints spent several years in AEW, where he established himself as a prominent figure, working both as a heel and a fan-favorite. His departure from Tony Khan’s promotion marked a major shift in the wrestling landscape. Saints’ move to WWE was highly anticipated, and his debut on NXT drew significant attention. His friendship with Cody Rhodes, a top star in WWE, added an extra layer of intrigue to his main roster arrival. The call-up places Saints on SmackDown, the blue brand, where he joins a growing list of recent NXT graduates including Ethan Page, Joe Hendry, Sol Ruca, and Jacy Jayne, all of whom debuted on Raw or SmackDown the previous week.

What Lies Ahead for Saints on SmackDown

Saints’ debut on SmackDown has set the stage for a potential feud with Cody Rhodes, though the exact direction remains unclear. Given their real-life friendship, the storyline could evolve into either an alliance or a rivalry. With his NXT chapter closed, Saints now faces the challenge of establishing himself on the main roster. His promo skills and in-ring ability, honed over years in AEW and NXT, position him as a strong contender for future championship opportunities. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see how Saints will be booked in the coming weeks. The immediate focus is on his match against Rhodes, which will serve as a key test of his standing on SmackDown.

The bottom line

• Ricky Saints ended his NXT run with a loss to Shiloh Hill on April 28, then delivered an emotional farewell to fans and staff.
• He debuted on SmackDown on May 1, confronting Cody Rhodes and setting up a match between the two.
• Saints won the NXT North American Championship and the NXT Championship during his year on the brand.
• His transition from AEW to WWE was challenging but ultimately successful, thanks to fan support and backstage help.
• Saints is part of a wave of NXT call-ups, joining Ethan Page, Joe Hendry, Sol Ruca, and Jacy Jayne on the main roster.
• His friendship with Cody Rhodes adds complexity to their upcoming match, which could lead to an alliance or a feud.