“Just Stop,” ‘FRUSTRATED’ 34-year-old AEW star lashes out at false theories about turning down creative amid WWE jump rumors

The Absolute One's unexplained absence from AEW has been tantalizing to say the least, casting an opaque layer over what's going on.

“Just Stop,” ‘FRUSTRATED’ 34-year-old AEW star lashes out at false theories about turning down creative amid WWE jump rumors

AEW star vents frustration amid WWE switch rumors (via Wrestling Junkie)

It’s been over five months since Ricky Starks last appeared in AEW. He’s not released, nor is he injured. So why’s he not on TV? A theory that was making the rounds on the internet suggested that the 34-year-old was not on board with the creative plans AEW had lined up for him. But it’s not true. Amid unbridled speculation among the fans, Starks himself had to clear up the air.

Taking to X, the former FTW Champion quoted a reply to a misinformed fan, who stated that the wrestler-in-question didn’t respect the opportunities given to him by AEW. In response, a palpably frustrated Ricky Starks reaffirmed that he never turned down anything that was pitched to him. He even stressed that it’s tiring the way he has to step in and dismiss made-up stuff about him.

YouTube video

It was recently reported that AEW doesn’t have any long-term plans for Ricky. In fact, they’re of the belief that he isn’t willing to stay either and is just waiting for his deal to expire. A few days ago, AEW president Tony Khan was asked about Starks’ status with the company. Khan confirmed that the 2023 Owen Hart Cup winner is still under a contract with AEW.

FS Video
Enough is enough. Usually I don’t even speak on this but it’s tired I never turned down anything, EVER. Just Stop.
Ricky Starks on X

Tony further elaborated on how successful of a career Ricky’s had in All Elite Wrestling. He also claimed that the Louisiana native is held in high regard by his peers and the top brass alike. That’s what Khan had to say days ahead of the recently concluded All In pay-per-view in London. Fans were hoping that Starks would return to the company at the Wembley Stadium in some capacity. However, it didn’t happen.

RELATED
“We talk about everything,” Jade Cargill opens up about her friendship with 34-year-old AEW star amid rumors of him joining WWE
Jade Cargill

WWE has major interest in Ricky Starks

As unsurprising as it is, WWE is heavily interested in Ricky Starks. A report from Fightful revealed that the company is planning to bring Starks over to NXT once he’s legally available to do so.

Ricky Starks
Ricky Starks in AEW [via- Bleacher Report]

There’s some speculation regarding Stroke Daddy’s potential WWE debut on the CW premiere of NXT, dated October 1. Ricky has some friends in WWE, with two of his closest buddies being Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill. That’d only add to his chances of going to WWE when his AEW contract runs out of time.

Starks attended WrestleMania XL to be a part of the culmination of Rhodes’ story with Roman Reigns. Not only that, but Ricky also accompanied Cody to the arena at last year’s Royal Rumble, rendering his support to The American Nightmare.

In case you missed it: