WWE superstar Ricky Saints has opened up about how CM Punk and Cody Rhodes have helped him adjust to his new home.
The current NXT North American Champion, who won the gold in just his third match ever in the company, will be defending his gold against fellow AEW alumni Ethan Page at Stand & Deliver on Saturday just hours before WrestleMania 41.
He exclusively told Metro how mentors Punk and Cody – who main event night one and two of WrestleMania respectfully – have kept him grounded as he finds his footing in WWE.
‘I mean, we’ve definitely spoke. Basically, just enjoy it for what it is right now,’ he revealed.
‘Because too often do we kind of just go through these things, and we don’t really take the chance to experience it and enjoy it for what it is.’
He admitted he was ‘trying’ to take their advice on board going into his Stand & Deliver, which will mark Saints’ first ever in-ring appearance over WrestleMania weekend.
He added: ‘I’ve been really trying to focus in and make sure that I’m taking these moments when I have to myself to at least be like, “Wow, this is insane.” ‘
It’s been a whirlwind for Saints, who made the jump to WWE and made his first appearance on NXT a couple of months ago.
He was known as Ricky Starks in his previous home, but debuted on WWE’s developmental brand to an amazing ovation from the crowd without even introducing himself by name.
”Sometimes they just love it,’ he quipped.
However, putting aside his typical bravado and confidence, Saints admitted the reaction did surprise him.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
‘I think I was [surprised]. I think I was taken aback by it,’ he added. ‘But, you know, I got to realise that there are a lot of people who are behind me, who do support me now.
‘So that’s an incredible realisation. Sometimes you’re in your own bubble, and sometimes you don’t really see it.’
While Saints will be defending his title for the first time at Stand and Deliver, Punk will hit a WrestleMania milestone of his own when he main events for the first time.
He’ll be battling longtime rival Seth Rollins and WWE 2K25 cover star Roman Reigns in a highly anticipated Triple Threat match to close night one, while he’s also giving back to the next generation just like veterans like Eddie Guerrero did for him.
He wrestled the late Hall of Famer in 2002, and learned some valuable lessons from one of the greatest of all time.
‘I used to be able to just pick up the phone, call him and be like, “Hey”. He taught me, it’s not about moves, it’s about when you do them,’ he told Metro.
‘He taught me about the connection between your fans and you and making it emotional. He taught me so much, invaluable experience was learned working with him.’
WWE WrestleMania 41 comes to Netflix live at midnight on April 19 and 20. Stand and Deliver hits the streamer at 6pm on April 19. WWE 2K25 is out now.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.