Backstage update on why WWE fast-tracked Ricky Starks’ debut following his tumultuous AEW release
On a night where absolutely no one expected it to happen, Ricky Starks popped up on this week's NXT to make his WWE debut.
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Ricky Starks on NXT [via- WWE]
This week on NXT, Ricky Starks, donning a white vest, shockingly emerged from the crowd, and that was enough to drop some jaws. Merely just over a day had gone by since his AEW release when the 34-year-old showed up on WWE television. The Absolute One claimed that he has arrived to turn NXT upside down.
It’s now been learned via Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE had plans to debut Starks at a more significant NXT event later this year prior to his AEW exit. However, once he left the Tony Khan-led promotion, WWE fast-tracked the process of getting Ricky on its programming. But one thing that’s been peeving the fans is the company’s no mention of him by his name.
It even led to some online speculation about WWE rebranding the former AEW star coupled with a different ring name. However, in a positive update, the Stoke Daddy is listed as “Ricky Starks” only within WWE, per Fightful Select. The company is reportedly working on a sync agreement with the new signee.
Moreover, since Starks’ WWE contract materialized so quickly, the company is working on the side of caution. Triple H also reacted to Ricky’s stunning NXT reveal. Taking to X, The Game referred to that moment as a beginning of a potential career-defining shift. WWE higher-ups have had their eyes on the Louisiana native since he grew dissonant with Tony Khan’s bizarre handling of Starks.
The latter hadn’t returned to AEW since late March despite being injury-free.In the last quarter of 2024, it was alleged that AEW had no long-term plans for The Absolute One. During an appearance on Chris Van Vliet‘s Insight podcast, Starks was asked about his standing with AEW, to which he couldn’t add much.
The Undertaker recently revealed his first meeting with Ricky Starks
It does seem like Ricky Starks will be at the top of the food chain in WWE in no time. He’s close friends with some of the company’s top names, including Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Jade Cargill.
Another big-time commodity of the wrestling business, and so to speak—The Undertaker—recently shared how he first met with Starks. The Deadman was a guest on Busted Open Radio, where he and Bully Ray watched Ricky’s NXT debut live.
Taker then revealed that the former AEW FTW Champion helped him whilst training for his WrestleMania 32 match against Shane McMahon. One day, Starks and Taker finally struck up a conversation. The Stroke Daddy was keen on breaking into the business, and he received some valuable inputs from the WWE HOF’er.
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Vibhor Pal
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