Podcast Summary: "What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes"

Episode: Ricky Saints
Host: Cody Rhodes
Guest: Ricky Saints
Date: July 9, 2025
Podcast: WWE x Fanatics Podcasts

Overview

In this episode, Cody Rhodes welcomes NXT standout Ricky Saints onto his touring bus for a candid, wide-ranging conversation. It's the first time an NXT wrestler guests on the show, and the chemistry between Cody and Ricky—as longtime colleagues and friends—fuels an episode that delves into wrestling origins, career-defining moments, wrestling philosophy, personal struggles, loyalty, and finding a place in the industry. The tone is open, funny, and reflective, with memorable stories from the road and honest perspectives about pursuing dreams in WWE.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introductions, Drinks, and Early Banter

• Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:30
• Cody announces Ricky as the first NXT guest, teasing their "Workplace Proximity Associate" status and friendship. Joking around is centered on signature poses, custom drinks (the "Saints Redemption" cocktail), and suit fashion.
• Memorable Moment: Introduction to Ricky's own drink, the “Saints Redemption”—a Wheatley Vodka-based sunset gradient cocktail (02:00).

2. Contentment and the Wrestling Journey

• Timestamps: 03:39 – 06:01
• Ricky reflects on being in a good place in his journey, not complacent, citing “Andy from The Office” on recognizing good times while you’re in them. Both talk about seizing the moment and learning from wrestling icons.
• Quote:

  "I wish somebody would tell you, when you're in the good times, that you're in the good times. We're very much here in the good times.” – Cody Rhodes (03:07)

3. Suit Stories, 'Bad Advice', and Dressing for WWE

• Timestamps: 03:18 – 05:58
• Personal anecdotes about living with Cody to save money, “Uncle Arn’s” philosophy (“spend it now, make more later”), and the culture of flashy suits on big show days.
• Highlight: Cody reminisces about getting "no reaction" for his expensive suit on WrestleMania day because in pro wrestling, everyone dresses wild (05:13).

4. Learning and Teaching Wrestling

• Timestamps: 05:58 – 07:45
• Ricky describes being taught to tie a tie by Nick Aldis, reflecting on formative years in NWA, creating self-funded vignettes, and the breakthrough moment of being signed.
• Quote:

  “You’re going to be in some big rooms here. Let me show you [how to tie a real knot].” – Nick Aldis, recounted by Cody Rhodes (06:19)

5. Breaking In and Betting on Yourself

• Timestamps: 07:45 – 14:34

• Ricky recounts his path from independent vignettes to NWA, surviving on merch sales through the pandemic, and the open challenge that led to an AEW contract—despite suffering burns in a viral table-spot weeks earlier.

• Quotes:

  “I didn’t get signed, but I will use this to raise my rate—‘hey, I was on TV, you gotta pay more than that.’” – Ricky Saints (13:03)

  “I just sat there crying… My Twitter blew up, and I just sat there crying.” – Ricky Saints on getting the contract (14:34)

  “I don’t like men who cry.” – Cody Rhodes, jokingly (14:39)

6. Transition to WWE/NXT: The Triple H Call

• Timestamps: 15:34 – 18:09
• The surreal moment of getting a call from Triple H, misunderstanding about main roster vs. NXT, and his subsequent meeting with Shawn Michaels. Discussion on having multiple “hometowns” and paying respect to family roots.
• Quote:

  “I feel like I’m a rough diamond that just needs a little polishing.” – Ricky Saints (16:58)

7. Mother’s Influence and Roots

• Timestamps: 18:09 – 19:22
• Ricky gives heartfelt props to his mom and discusses the resilience built from “being close to the fire” his whole life, making his skin “more thickened than someone just jumping into it.”

8. Learning from WWE Legends, The Salesmanship of Wrestling

• Timestamps: 21:20 – 25:08

• Early wrestling training under Mr. Mexico #2, leaving Microsoft for WWE tryouts, and learning about the intangible elements of wrestling—hope, storytelling, and connection—rather than just moves.

• Quote:

  “Often what wrestling sells is hope... Hope that your guy or girl gets up off the mat and does something cool.” – Cody Rhodes (24:05)

9. Advice for the NXT Era & Locker Room Leadership

• Timestamps: 25:22 – 29:30
• Cody urges Ricky to enjoy NXT, to savor the camaraderie and lower pressure, name-checking Trick Williams, Oba, Ethan Page, and a “murders row” women’s division. Ricky is revealed as one of the locker-room leaders.
• Memorable Moment: Cody’s advice about a “crew” that changes when you graduate to the main roster (25:45) and the importance of ending roasts with one nice thing (29:23).

10. Food, Coffee Orders, and Being a ‘Self-Taught’ Wrestler

• Timestamps: 30:36 – 33:47

• Ricky’s tips on authentic New Orleans food (favorites: overstuffed shrimp po’boy, 2am fresh beignets), simple cold brew coffee orders, and an honest reflection on lacking formal mentorship in his life or career, often “winging it.”

• Quote:

  “A lot of things I do, no one ever taught me the right way. So I kind of lean on you [Cody].” – Ricky Saints (33:02)

11. Loyalty, Friendship, and Defining Relationships in Wrestling

• Timestamps: 39:40 – 43:54

• Deep dive into Ricky’s struggles with racial identity growing up, feeling isolated between Black and white communities, and how it molded his loyalty and selectiveness in friendships. He shares how feeling "seen, heard, understood" matters more than anything.

• Quote:

  “The people that…I feel more of a kindred [with], I am seen, I’m heard, and I’m understood. And those, honestly, are the only three things that I ever really wanted.” – Ricky Saints (42:13)

12. Dusty’s Legacy, Riding with Cody, and Defining Your Own Path

• Timestamps: 44:16 – 48:19
• Reflecting on the late Dusty Rhodes’ mentorship at NXT, Cody’s own hesitancy to attach himself too closely to anyone to avoid disappointment, and the risk (or lack thereof) of being branded "Cody's friend."
• Quote:

  “I will never let somebody weaponize a friendship against me.” – Ricky Saints (46:32)

13. Mount Rushmore of Jerseys & Dream Team Picks

• Timestamps: 49:10 – 54:54
• Ricky’s top four pieces of wrestling/sports gear include: His Sting tribute gear, his debut match apparel, Drew Brees’ 2009 Saints jersey, and Cody’s original American Nightmare jacket.
• Dream Team: Wheatley Vodka “for cleaning wounds,” The Undertaker, Cody Rhodes, Mick Foley, Matthew McConaughey (for promo skills), and wild-card Harry Connick Jr. (“for legal and musical needs”).

14. Training, Paying It Forward, and WrestleMania Joy

• Timestamps: 57:55 – 59:57

• Cody inquires about Ricky’s training partnership with Jade, discussing the importance of sharing knowledge and celebrating friends’ success—Ricky sincerely enjoyed Jade’s first Mania match and Cody’s triumph, focusing on comradery over personal ego.

• Quote:

  “There’s a lot of times where people don’t really experience the happiness through somebody else. I love that…and I go, I’m already there with them.” – Ricky Saints (59:19)

15. Final Reflections: Showing Up and Looking to the Future

• Timestamps: 59:57 – 60:41

• Cody and Ricky agree that “showing up” is the most important rule of friendship. Ricky’s willingness to risk career repercussions for genuine support is celebrated by Cody, who looks forward to seeing Ricky’s future moment in WWE.

• Final Quote:

  “The rule is you have to show up. You showed up…and I cannot wait to sit and watch you have your moment.” – Cody Rhodes (60:04)

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 03:07 | Cody Rhodes | “I wish somebody would tell you, when you're in the good times, that you're in the good times. We're very much here in the good times.” | | 13:03 | Ricky Saints | “I didn’t get signed, but I will use this to raise my rate—‘hey, I was on TV, you gotta pay more than that.’” | | 14:34 | Ricky Saints | “I just sat there crying… My Twitter blew up, and I just sat there crying.” | | 16:58 | Ricky Saints | “I feel like I’m a rough diamond that just needs a little polishing.” | | 24:05 | Cody Rhodes | “Often what wrestling sells is hope... Hope that your guy or girl gets up off the mat and does something cool.” | | 33:02 | Ricky Saints | “A lot of things I do, no one ever taught me the right way. So I kind of lean on you [Cody].” | | 42:13 | Ricky Saints | “The people that…I feel more of a kindred [with], I am seen, I’m heard, and I’m understood. And those, honestly, are the only three things that I ever really wanted.” | | 46:32 | Ricky Saints | “I will never let somebody weaponize a friendship against me.” | | 59:19 | Ricky Saints | “There’s a lot of times where people don’t really experience the happiness through somebody else. I love that…and I go, I’m already there with them.” | | 60:04 | Cody Rhodes | “The rule is you have to show up. You showed up…and I cannot wait to sit and watch you have your moment.” |

Closing Thoughts

This episode is a sincere celebration of wrestling’s brotherhood, the hard lessons that shape a performer, and the power of loyalty and authenticity in a business built on persona. Ricky Saints leaves an impression as both humble and proud—his journey from sleeping on Cody’s couch to locker room leader is filled with detours, adversity, and gratitude. For fans and aspiring wrestlers alike, the episode is a compelling showcase of what it means to chase your dream while staying true to those who walk beside you.