In the main event at WWE NXT No Mercy, the NXT Title changed hands.
Ricky Saints defeated Oba Femi, ending his dominant near 10-month reign with the belt.
The standout bout saw Saints celebrated as a big-time babyface, but in the past he’s arguably been more effective as an arrogant heel – with Femi’s reign having been as a babyface, a heel run for Saints could soon be on the cards.
If Saints does turn, he may look to establish his own faction – here are five WWE stars who could join him.
5. Josh Briggs
The opener of WWE NXT No Mercy was itself a standout bout, as Je’Von Evans vanquished the much bigger Josh Briggs.
This was not out of the ordinary – in recent months the 6’8″ Briggs has delivered several impressive performances against Evans, his former tag partner Yoshiki Imamura, and Ricky Saints.
A clearly talented big man, he fits naturally into the role of a heater for a main event act.
Aligning with Ricky Saints in a faction would see him slide seamlessly into that position.
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4. Charlie Dempsey
Charlie Dempsey’s own faction, No Quarter Catch Crew, appears to have completely broken down.
On the September 16 edition of WWE NXT he announced his intention to visit Japan – the 28-year-old is doing a tour with Pro Wrestling NOAH – leaving Wren Sinclair as the sole remaining member of the group.
When he returns from Japan, the talented technician could formally disband the faction.
Such a move could open the door for Dempsey to align with Ricky Saints, joining a potential new top heel group.
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3. Ridge Holland
The last year has left Ridge Holland without much direction after being dropped from WWE’s main roster at the end of 2023.
In recent weeks, however, the 37-year-old Brit has been involved in the NXT–TNA cross-promotion feud, taking on top TNA babyface Mike Santana at Victory Road.
As an explosive heel with clear upside, Holland could be put to much more effective use on NXT programming.
Aligning him with Ricky Saints would give the British star the direction he needs.
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2. Wes Lee
Wes Lee is another member of the NXT roster who has been left with scant direction in recent months.
The 30-year-old is one of the brand’s top in-ring talents – an impressive, polished worker who really should already be on WWE’s main roster.
Yet he hasn’t had a match on NXT television since July, when he put on a standout bout against Je’Von Evans.
Removing Lee from High Ryze and placing him in a top heel faction alongside Ricky Saints would finally give him the spotlight his talent deserves.
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1. William Regal
Few would argue that Ricky Saints isn’t a top-tier talent on the microphone – someone who hardly needs a mouthpiece.
Nevertheless, the same could be said for Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson in AEW, but their group, the Blackpool Combat Club, was greatly strengthened by the legendary William Regal.
Regal, who returned from AEW in 2023, could play a similar role for Saints in NXT.
Aligning with Saints – and potentially his son Charlie Dempsey – Regal’s presence could make the group the top heel faction in WWE.
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