NXT superstar Ricky Saints has been a vocal supporter of his real-life friend Cody Rhodes, celebrating ringside for his major victories at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 40. On a recent appearance on Rhodes’ What Do You Want to Talk About? podcast, Saints passionately addressed the perception that he is just “Cody’s friend” and made it clear he will not apologize for his loyalty.
Loyalty Over Politics
When Rhodes asked if he had felt any negative consequences for being so publicly connected to him, Saints delivered a defiant and heartfelt response. “I will never let somebody weaponize a friendship against me,” he stated firmly. “This is the thing like, I don’t have a lot of friends, so to speak, the people that have shown me being seen, being heard, being understood… I have such an endearing and deep love for you as a person because of what you have shown and reciprocated back”.
Earning His Own Spot
Saints acknowledged that he knew being so close to a top star would lead to some fans dismissing him, but he is confident in his own abilities to overcome that perception. “I already knew being so public about an affection for a friend, especially in your position, was always going to be ‘That’s just Cody’s friend.’ That is. That’s cool, if that’s what you think of me, perfect,” Saints said. “But when I get in the ring, when I get on the microphone, you don’t, no one will ever say that shit to me”.
The conversation also touched on a humorous incident at the Royal Rumble, where Saints’ support was almost mistaken for a security risk. Rhodes explained how he personally walked Saints through a backstage area after the show. “I walked you through the backstage area. We were going to the bus,” Rhodes said. Saints confirmed the story, admitting he was just trying to be there for his friend’s special moment. He concluded that he doesn’t regret showing up for his friend’s biggest moments, because true loyalty is a gamble he is “willing to take every time”.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit What Do You Wanna Talk About? with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
