Professional wrestler Ricky Saints, formerly known as Ricky Starks in AEW, recently spoke about his time away from AEW and his transition to WWE. The wrestler described the break as a difficult period but said he is grateful for how his career eventually unfolded.
After nearly a year of limited appearances in AEW, Saints moved to WWE and quickly became one of the standout performers in NXT.
Long Absence From AEW Programming
Ricky Saints spent much of 2024 away from AEW television, which surprised many fans. Reports later indicated that he requested his release from the company at the beginning of 2025.
His name was eventually removed from AEW’s official roster page on February 10. During that period, Saints continued to wrestle occasionally on the independent circuit.
He appeared at several independent promotions, including House of Glory and DEFY. However, he explained that scheduling independent matches while still connected to AEW contracts could sometimes be difficult to arrange.
Saints said these complications were more about business conflicts than personal issues with the company.
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Surprise Arrival in WWE NXT
Soon after leaving AEW, Saints made an unexpected appearance at the WWE Performance Center during the February 11 episode of WWE NXT.
His debut created excitement among fans. Although he initially appeared without speaking, he soon officially joined the NXT roster and began competing regularly.
Saints quickly made an impact in WWE. He captured his first WWE title in just his third match on the brand. As his momentum continued, he went on to win both the NXT Championship and the NXT North American Championship.
The rapid success showed that he was able to adapt quickly to a new environment and continue his rise in professional wrestling.
Mental Challenges During His Break
Speaking on the Getting Over: Wrestling Podcast, Saints admitted that the time away from regular wrestling was difficult for him mentally.
He explained that he is used to performing frequently and expressing himself through wrestling. Being unable to compete regularly made the period feel unusual and frustrating.
Saints said he is naturally someone who enjoys creating and working physically in the ring. When that routine suddenly stopped, it created a challenging mental adjustment.
Gratitude for His Journey
Despite the challenges, Saints said he feels thankful for the opportunities he received throughout his career.
He expressed appreciation for his time in AEW as well as the independent promotions that allowed him to stay active during the transition period.
According to Saints, those experiences helped him remain sharp and prepared for the next chapter of his career.
Key Moments in Ricky Saints’ Career Transition
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| AEW absence | Largely absent from AEW programming during 2024 |
| Release request | Asked for release in early 2025 |
| Independent appearances | Competed in promotions like House of Glory and DEFY |
| WWE debut | Appeared at the WWE Performance Center on the Feb. 11 episode of NXT |
| WWE success | Won his first WWE title in his third match and later captured the NXT and North American titles |
Ricky Saints’ move from AEW to WWE marks one of the more notable career shifts in recent wrestling storylines.
After overcoming a difficult period away from television, he has quickly established himself as a key figure in NXT. With championship success already behind him, fans will now watch closely to see how his career continues to grow in WWE.
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