Ricky Saints on Wrestling Tribalism & Fan Passion | WWE/AEW

The debate surrounding fan “tribalism” in professional wrestling continues, but NXT Champion Ricky Starks offers a perspective that challenges the often-negative framing of intense fan loyalty. Having experienced success in both All Elite Wrestling and now WWE, Starks believes the passionate dedication of wrestling fans, while sometimes amplified by social media, ultimately benefits the industry.

Starks, who debuted in NXT in February 2025 after his departure from AEW, has quickly risen through the ranks, capturing both the NXT North American Championship and the NXT Championship. His journey reflects a broader trend of talent movement between promotions, fueling the competitive dynamic that fans readily engage with. Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Starks acknowledged the heightened sensitivity surrounding promotional rivalries in the age of social media, but argued that the atmosphere at live events tells a different story.

“You’ll have [tribalism] in every aspect,” Starks explained. “I experience it’s a little bit more sensitive and touchy just for the fact that we’re all on social media, so it’s a little bit more saturated. But then when you actually proceed out into the crowds and you go to these live events like in Nashville, no one cared. There were people who were fans of me from AEW. People who were fans of me from NWA. People who are fans of me now. They all mesh. They all share a commonality.”

This observation suggests that while online discourse can be divisive, the shared love of professional wrestling often transcends promotional boundaries when fans gather in person. Starks further emphasized the positive aspects of this fervent dedication, comparing it to the unwavering support seen in traditional sports. “I do think that it is kind of cool to a certain degree that people have such an ownership and stake in a specific company or a specific wrestler. I do find that I like the fondness of that because if you ain’t got passion for your team, then what are you doing?”

Starks’ career trajectory has been marked by championship success. He was the inaugural NWA World Television Champion from 2018 to 2020, and in AEW, he held the FTW Championship, the Owen Hart Cup, and the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Since joining WWE, he has continued to add to his accolades, winning the NXT North American Championship from Shawn Spears in April 2025 and the NXT Championship from Oba Femi in September 2025.

Now, Starks faces a significant challenge at NXT Vengeance Day this Saturday, March 7, where he will defend his NXT Championship against Joe Hendry. Hendry, a recent addition to the WWE roster after transitioning from TNA, won the vacant title in a ladder match last month, establishing himself as a formidable competitor. The match pits two rising stars against each other, both with proven track records and a growing fanbase.

The upcoming title match is particularly noteworthy given Hendry’s relatively recent arrival in WWE. His quick ascent to championship contention highlights the company’s willingness to embrace talent from other promotions, further contributing to the dynamic landscape of professional wrestling. Starks’ ability to adapt and thrive in different environments underscores his versatility and appeal to a broad audience.

As Starks prepares for this high-stakes encounter, his perspective on fan engagement offers a valuable insight into the health of the industry. The passion—whether it’s labeled “tribalism” or simply unwavering support—continues to drive viewership for programs like WWE RAW as the road to WrestleMania 42 intensifies. According to recent reports, viewership numbers remain strong, indicating a continued appetite for professional wrestling content.

Starks’ comments arrive at a critical juncture in his career, as he aims to solidify his position as a top star in WWE. His success in NXT has been rapid and impressive, and a victory over Hendry at Vengeance Day would further cement his status as a force to be reckoned with. The match promises to be a compelling showcase of athleticism and storytelling, and a key moment in the ongoing evolution of NXT.