Continuing in his summary of the responsibilities of being the NXT Champion, Saints noted that he’s still trying to navigate all the ups and downs of his new role, and pointed out that there isn’t a guidebook on being the top guy. “You get thrown out there and you either sink or swim,” he claimed. “So, I am trying to prove it to myself every day that: Hell yeah! I did this. I am the guy. I did this. I am the guy. Okay, I stumble there. Doesn’t matter, I’m still the guy because I made up for it.”

Saints further claimed that he had to deal with pressure every day, even before he became the champion, since he carries the AEW stigma and there are others backstage who look at him differently because of that. “I need to make sure there’s no room for them to even have [an issue]. There can’t be any holes in my game at all!” he added.

The WWE star refuses to be complacent with where he is, asserting that the day he’s comfortable is the day he should retire. “I am happy; everything has been good,” he noted either way. “Everything I’ve been looking for – not looking for, but wanting – the fulfillment and creativity. … I’m getting that! I can’t ask for anything better.” Saints also pointed out how quickly he captured the NXT North American Championship before capturing the NXT Championship, but that he’s not surprised he advanced so quickly.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Busted Open Radio” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.