Ricky Saints (the former Ricky Starks) has spoken about his new name in NXT and what happened to him in AEW.
The former AEW star debuted for NXT last week after being granted his release from the company. This week, he announced his new name would be Ricky Saints as he embarks on a new chapter in his career in WWE.
Ricky Saints spoke about his name change on Busted Open Radio. The former AEW Tag Team Champion said he likes the name and it is as close to “Ricky Starks” as it could be.
Ricky Starks embraces his new identity in WWE NXT
“‘Saints’ in itself is pretty indicative of New Orleans, regardless if you think of the football team, if you think of the French influence, things of that nature. It’s as close as you’re going to get to Starks. I like the name. I know a lot of people are going to be — it’s going to take time for them to get used to it,” Ricky Starks said. “And I respect that they care so deeply about me that they rebel against the name change,” he continued. “But at the same time, I am a product of New Orleans. And I want to pay respect to that as well.”
Bully said he believed there was equity in Ricky Starks, but Ricky Saints is also a good choice too. Starks noted it could’ve been much different, but he’s still the same guy no matter what he’s called in WWE.
“And I really think too, that it would have been different if I was named “Ricky Genevieve’ or something so off. Or if my whole thing was changed,” Saints continued. “But I think that this is the best of both worlds. And it’s something that means a lot to me too. Obviously, I think it’s cool to have a piece of home with me. And the person doesn’t change, you know? I’m still that guy.”
Catch up on everything that went down on NXT here.
