WWE NXT Segment Draws Criticism Following Controversial Performance
In a notable incident on the March 3, 2026 episode of WWE NXT, wrestler Ricky Saints staged a performance intended as a concert to satirize NXT World Champion Joe Hendry. The segment has sparked backlash among fans, with some echoing Adam Copeland’s 2023 commentary labeling Saints as a “vanilla midget rip-off of The Rock.”
Reports from Fightful.com indicate that the controversial segment was subsequently removed from WWE’s social media platforms, including Twitter and X, due to its unfavorable reception. Sources within NXT clarified that the concert was not a concept pitched by Saints himself, but rather a script he did not endorse. This aligns with Saints’ efforts to distance himself from comparisons to The Rock’s hallmark style on the platform.
Backstage reactions to the segment were described as “lukewarm.” However, those familiar with the situation do not anticipate lasting damage to either Hendry or Saints, believing they successfully mitigated the controversy during their match at NXT Vengeance Day.
Fan reactions on social media have been mixed, with some criticizing Saints for mimicking The Rock’s signature style, including his attire, his use of the term “jabroni,” and the overall presentation of the concert. One user remarked, “Ricky Saints continues to prove Adam Copeland right,” further expressing discontent towards the segment’s execution.
As WWE NXT continues to develop its storylines and characters, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges wrestlers face in creating original personas while navigating the legacies of iconic figures in professional wrestling.
Source: Original Source
