AEW
WWE Continues To Job Out Ricky Starks
A WWE Superstar had his latest segment relegated to post-show content following this week’s episode of SmackDown. Ricky Saints, who has not appeared on WWE television since late June 2026, finally resurfaced in a backstage promo — but the segment never made it onto the two-hour broadcast. With SmackDown’s limited runtime, Triple H and his […]
A WWE Superstar had his latest segment relegated to post-show content following this week’s episode of SmackDown. Ricky Saints, who has not appeared on WWE television since late June 2026, finally resurfaced in a backstage promo — but the segment never made it onto the two-hour broadcast.
With SmackDown’s limited runtime, Triple H and his creative team have increasingly been using “Digital Exclusive” interviews and backstage segments to give additional talent some screen time. Saints was featured in one of those clips this week, where he crossed paths with Rey Fenix and Fraxiom.
Fenix and Fraxiom were discussing their desire to capture championship gold when Nathan Frazer asked the AAA Mega Champion about potentially challenging for his title. Saints then interrupted the conversation, claiming that if Fenix had not been competing in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament, he would have already taken the AAA Mega Championship from him.
Fenix responded by saying that they would meet in the ring once the tournament was over, adding that he could potentially be carrying the World Heavyweight Championship by that point.
Saints laughed off the comment and asked Fenix if his mask was too tight before turning his attention to Fraxiom and throwing a few more insults their way. He then walked away.
The appearance marked Saints’ first WWE sighting since Night of Champions 2026, where he lost to Trick Williams in a United States Championship match. Saints had challenged Williams for the title but came up short, and he subsequently disappeared from SmackDown.
Even after finally returning this week, however, Saints’ segment was kept off the main broadcast.
That represents a significant change from how the former AEW star’s WWE main roster run began following WrestleMania 42. Saints initially made plenty of noise and appeared to be positioned as a talent capable of making an impact, but his momentum has seemingly stalled.
His recent run has been particularly rough away from television as well, with Saints currently sitting on a 10-match losing streak at WWE house shows.
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