Ricky Saints says fans will adapt to his new WWE name as NXT champion

Ricky Saints, the reigning WWE NXT World Champion, said he was not troubled when the company changed his ring name after he joined earlier this year, and he expressed confidence that fans would adapt as his work on NXT continues. In a recent interview, Saints — who performed as Ricky Starks in his previous promotion — said the new name has not altered who he is as a performer and that fan recognition matters more than the label attached to it.

"I wasn't stressed about it because I'm the same person at heart," Saints said. He recounted that fans still call him Starks in public settings, including airports, and said he appreciates that people know him regardless of the name they use. He added that he did not worry about how long the transition would take, saying he expected supporters would come around once they saw his performances.

Saints signed with WWE in February 2025 and was rebranded on arrival. Since joining NXT he has held the NXT North American Championship and this year defeated Oba Femi to capture the NXT World Championship. He successfully defended the title against Trick Williams at Halloween Havoc and is scheduled to face Williams again in a Last Man Standing match...