Former AEW wrestler becomes new WWE champion

Modified Apr 02, 2025 02:19 GMT

WWE HQ — This star recently made his WWE debut (Image source: WWE.com)

A new champion was crowned during tonight's WWE NXT show. The title was won by a former AEW wrestler.

After a disappointing end to his AEW run, Ricky Saints shocked the world when he showed up at NXT earlier this year. Since then, he competed in a couple of matches for the black and silver brand and emerged victorious. Saints also caught the attention of two of his former All Elite colleagues, Ethan Page and Shawn Spears.

Last week on NXT, Saints was on commentary for Ethan Page's match. After Page won the bout, Saints confronted him but was blindsided by Shawn Spears. Hence, tonight, on the black and silver brand, the latter defended his NXT North American Championship against Saints.

It was an uphill battle for Ricky Saints as members of The Culling tried to interfere. Spears even attacked the Saints with his title. However, Saints persevered and hit him with the Roshambo to win his first title in WWE.

Expand Tweet

Following the match, Ethan Page laid out Ricky Saints in the ring and then held up the NXT North American Championship, making his intentions pretty clear.

About the author

Sunil is a pro wrestling journalist, covering AEW and WWE news stories at Sportskeeda. He holds an MBA degree in Marketing, and has nearly 7 years of experience. A wrestling aficionado since childhood, Sunil used to imitate his favorite wrestlers as a young kid, and started writing professionally about the sport via Sportskeeda’s revenue-sharing opportunity.

Sunil admires former world champions AJ Styles, Will Ospreay, and Kenny Omega for their ability to consistently deliver great matches as well as entertain crowds with their mic skills.

If ever given a chance to change a storyline, Sunil would have booked Roman Reigns to end The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak instead of Brock Lesnar. According to him, The Tribal Chief needed the victory more than Brock Lesnar, as the latter was already an established performer when he defeated ‘Taker. He would’ve also made that as Taker’s final match.

Always focused on making his work accurate and reliable, Sunil thoroughly checks his facts before writing his articles. When not writing for pro wrestling, he spends his time watching cricket.

Know More

Edited by Angana Roy