Ricky Saints didnt hold back during his revealing sit-down with Cody Rhodes on What Do You Wanna Talk About? The NXT standout peeled back the layers on how racial identity shaped him growing up in New Orleansand how those same feelings of being misunderstood still haunt him in the wrestling world today.
Saints explained how being light-skinned in a predominantly Black school left him feeling like he didnt belong anywhere, even as he fought to find his place.
The tension often turned physical. Saints said he got into fights like every week, sometimes instigated, but usually as a way to stand up for himself in a place where race always seemed to be at the center of conflict.
Eventually, Saints found peace by accepting who he was, but the struggle left a lasting impact.
He even opened up about a heartfelt conversation with Brandi Rhodes where he reflected on how his own daughter might face similar struggles with identity.
That isolation hasnt gone away, even with success in wrestling. Saints said being misunderstood still eats at himespecially when people criticize him for being too emotional.
In a business full of characters and performances, Ricky Saints is showing that real-life vulnerability still has a place. His words struck a chord far beyond wrestling fansreminding everyone that identity, belonging, and the desire to be understood are battles many face behind the curtain.
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What did you take away from Ricky Saints story? Do you think wrestling is ready for this kind of realness? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
