Here is why Ricky Starks became Ricky Saints.
Earlier last month, on February 11th, just a few hours after his AEW departure, Ricky Starks made his NXT debut. On the following week, on February 18th, he officially signed his contract on television and revealed his new name as Ricky Saints.
Although the new name received some backlash from the fans, Saints himself further clarified that the new name was a way to pay respect to his hometown of New Orleans. However, a few days ago, PWInsider had shared a report about Ricky Starks’ name change.
Now, almost a week later, Fightful Select has reported something similar. As per Sean Ross Sapp’s Fightful Select Q&A, several people in WWE believed that the promotion was unable to get the clear rights to the ‘Ricky Starks’ name, despite him using the name long before he joined AEW.
Ricky Saints Comments On WWE NXT In-Ring Debut
Following his in-ring debut match on February 25th, Ricky Saints appeared in an NXT Digital Exclusive interview, and opened up on his bout.
“Wild, absolutely wild. My story isn’t that not-told, as they say. It’s pretty well known at this point, and I think I overcame a lot of things just to make it in this moment. My first time that I came here, I didn’t know what I was gonna expect. The second time I showed up at NXT, didn’t know what to expect. But this time was different. I knew what was gonna happen.
Old Ricky never died. While I thought I put him to bed, guess what? He woke up on his own two feet, and he was ready to go, energized, charged up, like 100% iPhone. You know what I’m saying? If there was ever any doubt about me, tonight proved otherwise.
If you have been sleeping on me for the past 14 years, we might as well call you a Tempur-Pedic. One thing’s for certain, I always show up and show out. I deliver every time. I thought tonight was probably more appropriate for where I’m at in my life. I am an emotional man, I’m not afraid to admit that. But tonight felt like a fever dream that I don’t wish to ever wake up from.”
In other news: Mercedes Mone has revealed why she did not become a part of the ‘Queen Of The Ring’ film.