Former AEW star Ricky Saints has spoken strongly in support of WWE NXT, saying the brand deserves far more respect from wrestling fans. After joining NXT in February 2025, Saints believes the show offers top-level wrestling and real opportunities for performers to grow.
During an appearance on the Getting Over: Wrestling Podcast, Saints said NXT should be viewed as a genuine third brand within WWE rather than just a developmental territory.
Saints’ Move From AEW to WWE NXT
Ricky Saints joined WWE NXT shortly after leaving AEW in February 2025. The move came after more than a decade in professional wrestling.
Saints has around 13 years of experience in the industry. Early in his career, he even appeared in WWE as enhancement talent before making a name for himself elsewhere. He later debuted in the NWA in 2012 and continued building his reputation across several promotions.
Despite his long career, Saints began his WWE run in NXT instead of moving directly to the main roster. Some fans questioned that decision and believed he should have debuted on Raw or SmackDown. Saints, however, said starting in NXT was the right choice.
Read Also: Armando Estrada Reveals Why WWE Producers Said
Why Saints Believes NXT Deserves More Respect
Saints explained that NXT delivers high-quality wrestling every week and should not be underestimated. According to him, the brand functions as a true third show alongside WWE’s main roster programs.
He said the weekly NXT broadcast allows performers to improve and develop their characters in front of fans. This regular exposure helps wrestlers grow quickly and build strong connections with the audience.
Saints also suggested that some criticism of NXT comes from people who do not regularly watch the show. He encouraged fans to give the brand a chance and judge it based on the performances they see each week.
Praise for NXT’s Women’s Division
Saints also highlighted the strength of the NXT women’s division. He pointed to the recent main event match between Lola Vice and Kendal Grey as an example of how the brand showcases talented wrestlers.
The match took place in the lead-up to Stand & Deliver and demonstrated the level of performance that Saints believes deserves more recognition.
He said moments like that show how much talent exists within NXT and how the brand continues to produce exciting matches and storylines.
Weekly Growth of New Stars
Saints believes one of the biggest strengths of NXT is the ability for fans to watch wrestlers develop over time.
In earlier eras of professional wrestling, fans often only heard about a wrestler’s progress through tapes or word of mouth. Now, NXT provides a platform where viewers can see talent evolve week by week on television.
He said this constant development helps wrestlers sharpen their skills and prepare for bigger opportunities in WWE.
Another aspect Saints praised is the passion shared by everyone working on the brand. According to him, the love for professional wrestling is clearly visible among the performers.
He described that passion as something that helps young wrestlers grow faster and gain confidence in the ring.
Saints believes this environment allows new stars to develop naturally and eventually move on to larger roles within WWE.
His comments continue the ongoing discussion about how fans view WWE NXT. Saints made it clear that, in his opinion, the brand is more than just a stepping stone — it is a place where future stars are built and where wrestling fans can watch talent grow every week.
Add as a preferred source on Google
