For months the wrestling world was talking about the future of Ricky Starks, and he was released from his AEW contract last week. Shortly after Ricky was released he went on to debut with with the NXT brand.
Ricky Starks cut a promo on last week’s episode of NXT, but it was noticeable that Ricky’s name wasn’t mentioned during his segment. This led to speculation that WWE could be changing his name, and this week on NXT it was confirmed that Ricky Starks will be known as Ricky Saints moving forward.
Ricky Starks is now Ricky Saints #NXT #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/aezIqVsjMy
— Still Real To Us (@stillreal2us) February 19, 2025
During the show Ricky met Ava in the middle of the ring as he prepared to sign his NXT contract. He hyped up the NXT brand for a few minutes while making it clear that he wants to win the NXT Championship.
Ethan Page interrupted Ricky and he told the former AEW star that he’s impressed. Ricky said that right now is a time for celebration. He brought up how Ethan Page beat Je’Von Evans at Vengeance Day, but teased that Je’Von will come back around. Je’Von Evans then appeared out of nowhere and attacked Ethan Page.
Evans and Page fought into the crowd as Ricky attempted to sign his contract. He was interrupted once again as Wes Lee came out to the ring. Lee said he wants to be the first person to show him the ropes and welcome him to NXT. Ricky then challenged him to a match next week. Wes Lee told him it will be a one and done.
Wes Lee tried to attack Ricky when he went to sign the contract. Ricky fought him off and clotheslined Wes Lee over the top rope. Finally Ricky signed the contract as security held Wes Lee back. The camera then zoomed in on the contract to show that Ricky Starks is now Ricky Saints.
Later in the show it was officially announced that Ricky Saints will team with Je’Von Evans to face Ethan Page and Wes Lee during next week’s episode of NXT.
"RICKY SAINTS IS NXT!"
The revolution has begun! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/JIRsZZPesu
— WWE (@WWE) February 19, 2025