The landscape of professional wrestling has been increasingly defined by the competitive divide between fanbases, a phenomenon often labeled as tribalism. While many performers have expressed frustration with the online hostility that often follows the rivalry between major promotions, NXT standout Ricky Saints is offering a more nuanced perspective. Since moving from AEW to WWE in early 2025, Starks has experienced both sides of the promotional fence and believes there is a hidden value in the intense loyalty of the audience.
During a recent appearance on the Battleground Podcast, Saints addressed the sensitive nature of modern wrestling discourse. He suggested that while social media can make the environment feel oversaturated, the atmosphere at live events remains largely positive. Saints noted that when he performs, fans from his time in the NWA, AEW, and now WWE all come together. However, he defended the core of fan tribalism by comparing it to the unwavering dedication seen in traditional sports.
“You’ll have [tribalism] in every aspect. I think it’s a little bit more sensitive and touchy just for the fact that we’re all on social media, so it’s a little bit more saturated. But then when you actually go out into the crowds and you go to these live events like in Nashville, no one cared. There were people who were fans of me from AEW. People who were fans of me from NWA. People who are fans of me now. They all mesh. They all share a commonality,” Saints explained.
He further emphasized that this level of investment is a sign of a healthy industry. “I do think that it is kind of cool to a certain degree that people have such an ownership and stake in a specific company or a specific wrestler. I do find that I like the fondness of that because if you ain’t got passion for your team, then what are you doing?”
Since joining the WWE roster, Saints has enjoyed a meteoric rise, capturing the NXT North American Championship from Shawn Spears and later the NXT Championship from Oba Femi. His comments arrive at a critical juncture in his career. This Saturday, March 7, at NXT Vengeance Day, Saints is set to challenge Joe Hendry for the NXT Championship. Hendry, who transitioned from TNA to become a breakout star, won the vacant title in a ladder match last month.
As Saints prepares for this high-stakes encounter, he remains appreciative of the passion—tribal or otherwise—that fuels the industry. This level of engagement continues to drive viewership for programs like WWE RAW as the road to WrestleMania 42 intensifies.
Ricky Saints on Wrestling Tribalism
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