WWE Champion Ricky Saints’ Finisher Faces Scrutiny

Ricky Saints has made great strides since signing with WWE in February 2025.

A couple of months into his debut, the 35-year-old was featured in the title picture, which led to him winning the NXT North American Championship with a victory over Shawn Spears.

He was soon involved in a feud with Ethan Page, who ended his 56-day reign and left him injured with a legitimate laryngeal contusion.

After making a full recovery, he began his hunt to reclaim his lost championship, unsuccessfully challenging Page at The Great American Bash in a Falls Count Anywhere match.

Once his feud with Page ended, he announced his claim to the NXT Championship held by Oba Femi.

In a shocking turn of events, Saints defeated The Ruler at No Mercy to become the NXT Champion and successfully defended it against Trick Williams at Halloween Havoc.

While his run in WWE NXT has received praise, his use of the Tornado DDT as the finisher has come into question.

Ricky Saints Changed His Finisher In WWE

Before jumping ship to WWE, Ricky Saints was a popular star on AEW, where he used Spear as one of his signature moves.

While Spear is a striking move, various wrestlers in World Wrestling Entertainment, including Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair, and Jey Uso, use it to great effect.

Saints’ selection of the Tornado DDT has drawn criticism from many wrestling fans.

During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer, too, expressed his dislike for the move to be used as a finisher.

I don’t think that should be his finish. So, obviously they don’t want him doing the Spear as his finish because too many guys are using it now. But I think that as far as a pick for a finish, I don’t think this is a good one because every Luchador uses that move and it’s never the finish so when you see it, you don’t think finish. [H/T WrestlingInc.com]

In a Halloween Havoc rematch, Saints will defend his title against Trick Williams on the November 11 episode of NXT.

Also read: Why Ricky Saints Has Stayed Single For The Past 3 Years

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