NXT standout Ricky Saints recently appeared on Cody Rhodes’ What Do You Want to Talk About? podcast, where he passionately addressed the public perception that his rise in WWE is due to his friendship with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship contender.
Saints, who has been seen ringside supporting Cody at both Royal Rumble 2024 and WrestleMania 40, didn’t hold back when asked about the criticism he’s received for being so closely tied to the top WWE star.
“I will never let somebody weaponize a friendship against me,” Saints declared. “I don’t have a lot of friends, so the people that have shown me being seen, being heard, being understood… I have such an endearing and deep love for you as a person because of what you have shown and reciprocated back.”
While acknowledging that fans may label him as “just Cody’s friend,” Saints made it clear that he’s ready to prove himself on his own merit.
“I already knew being so public about an affection for a friend, especially in your position, was always going to be ‘That’s just Cody’s friend.’ That’s cool. If that’s what you think of me — perfect,” Saints continued. “But when I get in the ring, when I get on the microphone, you don’t… no one will ever say that shit to me.”
Rhodes and Saints also laughed about a backstage moment following Cody’s Royal Rumble victory, where Saints’ presence nearly caused confusion.
“I walked you through the backstage area. We were going to the bus,” Cody recounted.
Saints confirmed with a grin, “I was just trying to be there for your moment.”
Saints concluded the conversation with a powerful reflection on loyalty in the wrestling business:
“I don’t regret it. Loyalty is a gamble I’m willing to take every time.”
As Ricky Saints continues to rise in NXT, it’s clear he’s ready to stand on his own two feet — and he won’t be apologizing for who’s in his corner.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more exclusive coverage of rising NXT stars, podcast recaps, and backstage stories.
