Ricky Saints Rises: A Star is Born in NXT After Breakout Victory Over Ridge Holland

The March 18, 2025, edition of WWE NXT featured a thrilling night of action, shocking moments, and a potential new breakout star. Ricky Saints, a promising young talent in the NXT ranks, secured his first-ever singles victory, proving that he is more than just another name in the ever-competitive world of professional wrestling. His hard-fought win against the formidable Ridge Holland served as a statement to the NXT Universe: Ricky Saints is here to stay.

As the dust settles on an exciting night in the Capitol Wrestling Center, let’s break down how Ricky Saints’ momentous victory unfolded, what it means for his future, and what else transpired on another must-watch edition of WWE’s black-and-gold brand.

Ricky Saints’ Rise: Overcoming the Odds Against Ridge Holland

Heading into his match against Ridge Holland, Ricky Saints was viewed as an underdog. Holland, known for his raw power and brawler-style offense, posed a serious challenge for Saints, who had yet to secure a major singles victory in his short tenure in NXT. Despite showing glimpses of brilliance in past tag team outings, Saints needed a defining moment to cement his place in the singles division.

The match began with Holland overpowering Saints early on, using his brute strength to toss him around the ring like a ragdoll. Saints, however, refused to back down. He absorbed the punishment and used his quickness to counter Holland’s relentless attack. A series of lightning-fast dropkicks and precision strikes kept Holland on his toes.

Midway through the match, it became evident that Saints had come prepared for a fight. Every time Holland tried to muscle his way back into control, Saints used his agility and resilience to escape dangerous situations. His strategic approach frustrated Holland, who grew increasingly reckless in his attacks.

The turning point came when Holland attempted to finish the match with his signature Northern Grit maneuver, but Saints countered, flipping out of the move and landing a devastating superkick to Holland’s jaw. Sensing an opportunity, Saints quickly scaled the top rope and delivered a breathtaking 450 Splash, securing the biggest victory of his young career.

The NXT crowd erupted in cheers as Saints celebrated his long-awaited singles win. His victory not only boosted his confidence but also put the entire NXT roster on notice—Ricky Saints is no longer just a prospect; he is a legitimate contender.

What This Victory Means for Ricky Saints

Winning his first singles match in NXT is a monumental step forward for Ricky Saints. It signifies that he has arrived as a competitor capable of going toe-to-toe with the best. More importantly, it sets him up for future opportunities in the division.

With this win, Saints may find himself in the conversation for high-profile matches against established NXT superstars. Whether he aims for the NXT North American Championship or continues building his momentum, one thing is certain—Ricky Saints has captured the attention of the NXT Universe and WWE officials alike.

Other Highlights from NXT: March 18, 2025

While Saints’ victory stole the show, the rest of NXT was filled with thrilling encounters, shocking betrayals, and championship implications.

Carmelo Hayes Sends a Warning to Trick Williams

The ongoing tension between Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams took another dramatic turn on this episode of NXT. After weeks of subtle animosity, the former best friends came face to face in the ring, with Hayes making it clear that he was tired of playing second fiddle.

What started as a tense conversation quickly turned physical, as Hayes blindsided Williams with a superkick, followed by a Nothing But Net leg drop. This attack solidified Hayes’ heel turn and positioned him as a major antagonist in the NXT landscape.

With their friendship in shambles, a heated rivalry is set to explode in the coming weeks, possibly culminating in a high-stakes showdown at NXT Stand & Deliver.

Lyra Valkyria Defends the NXT Women’s Championship

NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria was in action, successfully defending her title against the always-dangerous Tiffany Stratton in a hard-hitting encounter. Stratton, looking to reclaim the title she once held, pushed Valkyria to her limits, but the champion proved why she sits atop the women’s division.

The match was filled with near falls, high-impact maneuvers, and dramatic reversals. Just when it looked like Stratton had the match won with a Prettiest Moonsault Ever, Valkyria rolled out of the way at the last second and countered with a spinning heel kick, followed by a decisive Nightwing Driver to retain her championship.

With another successful defense under her belt, Valkyria remains the dominant force in the division. The question now is: who will step up next to challenge her?

Bron Breakker Makes a Statement

Another major talking point from NXT was the return of Bron Breakker, who wasted no time making an impact. After being away for several weeks, the powerhouse superstar stormed into the ring and demolished an unsuspecting Charlie Dempsey in dominant fashion.

After the match, Breakker grabbed a microphone and delivered a chilling message, declaring that he is coming for the NXT Championship. With this bold proclamation, he has set his sights on Ilja Dragunov, the reigning champion, who will undoubtedly have his hands full dealing with the challenge ahead.

The Creed Brothers vs. Gallus: Tag Team Warfare

The tag team division saw an absolute war between The Creed Brothers and Gallus, two of the most dominant teams in NXT. The match featured everything from power moves to high-flying sequences, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

In the end, The Creed Brothers emerged victorious after hitting their devastating finisher, Brutus Ball, on Mark Coffey. Their win puts them one step closer to a shot at the NXT Tag Team Championships, currently held by Nathan Frazer & Axiom.

What’s Next for NXT?

With NXT Stand & Deliver approaching, the stakes are higher than ever. Ricky Saints’ victory over Ridge Holland has put him on the map, but where does he go from here? Will he continue his rise through the ranks, or will a new challenge present itself?

Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams are now on a collision course, while Bron Breakker is ready to shake up the title picture. Lyra Valkyria continues to dominate the women’s division, but new challengers are waiting in the wings.

One thing is for sure—NXT is as unpredictable as ever, and every superstar is hungry to make their mark. As the road to Stand & Deliver continues, the intensity is only going to increase.

Ricky Saints has taken his first step toward greatness. Now, the real challenge begins. Can he sustain his momentum and climb even higher in the NXT ranks? The NXT Universe will be watching closely.

Stay tuned for more coverage of WWE NXT as the action unfolds in the weeks to come.