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Time of India

Former AEW talent recalls his conversation with Triple H before debuting in WWE

Via WWE: Triple H as the CCO of WWE On this week's episode of What Do You Wanna Talk About?, former Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes welcomed his longtime friend Ricky Saints, previously known as Ricky Starks in AEW. Many fans expected Saints to join Rhodes in WWE as soon as possible, especially after a year filled with backstage rumors, frustrated interviews, and other drama. Earlier this year, Saints finally debuted in NXT, and during the podcast, he shared the story of how his move to WWE came together, including a pivotal phone call from Chief Creative Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque. Ricky Saints reveals his detailed call with Triple H Saints recalled the moment, saying, Triple H had called him just when he got off a flight to Seattle. He didn't know the number, and it didn't say Stamford [Connecticut, where WWE is headquartered] or anything for him to know who is this? He continued, 'So Hunter calls me. And he asked me, 'Hey, would you want to come in? We're interested, blah, blah, blah. We would love to have you, you're talented, X, Y, and Z.' And I was like, 'Oh yeah, sure, hell yeah.'' As the conversation unfolded, Saints struggled to hear Triple H over the noisy airport. Right as Ricky was getting on the tram, HHH said something about Raw or SmackDown. Then Saints actually had his ears focused, asking, 'Wait, what? What did you say?' And I was so scared to say, 'Hey, can you repeat yourself?' Basically, what he was saying was, 'Hey, we're not going to put you on Raw or SmackDown just yet,' but it could have been anything. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo I was like, 'Okay, sweet.'' Although Saints might not have minded starting on the main roster, a major highlight was the chance to meet NXT's head, Shawn Michaels . Saints was like, 'Of course I will. Like, yes, I would love that.' That's all I really wanted is just resources. I feel like I'm a rough diamond that just needs a little polishing,' Saints explained. He emphasized the unique opportunity at WWE's Performance Center in Orlando, where talent can refine their skills under top coaches like Michaels. Unlike AEW, which focuses on immediate output due to its newer structure, WWE's setup allows for long-term development. He wasted no time and joined WWE just a day after his AEW contract ended. Ricky Saints talks move to WWE, Cody's group chat and backstage heat | What Do You Wanna Talk About? Now, Saints is honing his craft with Michaels and the Performance Center team, preparing for a Falls Count Anywhere match against NXT North American Champion Ethan Page at Great American Bash this Saturday. Meanwhile, AEW is gearing up for its All In Texas event at the same time. Also read: For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!