Ricky Saints on How a Ryback Table Spot Fueled His WWE Dream

Ricky Saints, currently performing on the WWE NXT brand, credits a particularly memorable – and painful – experience with Ryback as a pivotal moment in solidifying his ambition to wrestle for WWE full-time. Before joining WWE, Saints worked as an enhancement talent, appearing in several matches and segments.

The Ryback Encounter

During a backstage segment on the July 29, 2013, episode of Raw, Saints played the role of an arena worker who found himself on the receiving end of Ryback’s aggression. The segment culminated in Saints being slapped with a tuna fish and then set through a table – a spot he ended up performing three times. According to Saints, this experience wasn’t discouraging; it was motivating.

“I really think it was [when] I got put through a table by Ryback,” Saints said on the Battleground Podcast. “I’m telling you, I had to do that stuff three times. That was a moment where I proceed, ‘Wow, this will be the funniest story when I come back here and take over.’”

A Second Moment of Determination

The Ryback incident wasn’t the only moment that fueled Saints’ determination. He also recalled a feeling of resolve after not being called back for a WWE tryout. Following that rejection, he had one more WWE appearance – a tag match with Aaron Solo on Raw – after which he vowed his next return would be as a signed performer.

“I do remember that being a situation where I drove home and I was like, ‘The next time I come, that’s it. The next time I come back here, I’ll be signed here.’ And that may have been the last time I ever did anything extra-wise,” Saints stated.

Path to WWE

Saints persevered, finding success in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) before ultimately returning to WWE in 2025. As of February 2025, he was signed to WWE, performing under the ring name Ricky Saints on the NXT brand. He has since won the NXT North American Championship and the NXT Championship.

Friendship with Cody Rhodes

Saints also spoke about his friendship with Cody Rhodes, describing Rhodes as someone who provides valuable perspective and guidance. “He’s really, really good at giving you a perspective and you ultimately being like, ‘Oh, okay. I get it now,’” Saints said. “He’s been very impactful in my career and in my life too, personally and professionally.”

If you apply any of the quotes in this article, please credit the Battleground Podcast with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.