The revolution was televised.
Ricky Saints defeated Shawn Spears to earn the NXT North American Championship on the April 1 episode of WWE NXT. Saints overcame the interference of Niko Vance, Brooks Jensen, and Izzi Dame of The Culling. He was also able to kick out of a shot with the championship belt to the head. He would take out the entire group, drop Spears with the Roshambo, and win his first championship in WWE.
Vic Joseph explained on commentary that Ricky Saints captured championship gold in record time, breaking Ethan Page's record for how fast he debuted to how fast he became a champion. Speaking of Ethan Page, he ended this week's episode of NXT by standing over Saints after dropping him with a Twisted Grin.
HE DID IT!!!!
— WWE (@WWE) April 2, 2025
RICKY SAINTS IS THE NEW NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION!!!#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/G7jaTTKjJQ
PARTY. OVER. @OfficialEGO couldn't let @starkmanjones have the spotlight! --#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/BuMwQeKdeF
— WWE (@WWE) April 2, 2025
Spears held the championship for 29 days and lost it on his first defense.
Ricky Starks, Ethan Page, and Shawn Spears were previously with AEW. Unlike those two, Ricky held gold in AEW. He is a former AEW Tag Team Champion with Big Bill and a former FTW Champion. On February 10, he was removed from the roster page, indicating his departure from the promotion. He would debut in NXT the next night.
Fans can find Fightful's coverage of NXT by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review by clicking here.
