WATCH: Unseen footage of The Undertaker’s reaction to former AEW star’s shocking debut on NXT

The Undertaker was watching live as former AEW Tag Team Champion made his WWE debut a day after his AEW release.

WATCH: Unseen footage of The Undertaker’s reaction to former AEW star’s shocking debut on NXT

The Undertaker watches Ricky Starks' WWE debut live [via- WWE]

Just a day after being released from AEW, Ricky Starks showed up unannounced on Tuesday’s NXT episode. Starks emerged from the crowd to a huge pop and made a bold statement. What many might not know is that there was also a WWE legend, who was watching Starks’ surprising debut. The name in question is none other than The Undertaker.

During this week’s NXT episode, The Undertaker spoke with Bully Ray on the Busted Open Radio studio. Following the show, the latter shared his and Undertaker’s reactions to Starks’ debut on X. Surprisingly, the former AEW star instantly caught the attention of The Deadman, who instantly recognized him. Ray revealed how both he and Taker were gunning to see Starks in WWE for a long time.

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The Phenom went on to share his personal experience with Starks, disclosing that his first meeting with the 35-year-old star occurred in 2015. The Undertaker claimed that Starks worked out in the same gym as his. It was during this time that Starks opened up about his aspirations to become a professional wrestler. As such, the legend helped him by giving him advice about the business.

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A few years later, Starks also helped The Undertaker’s wife, Michelle McCool, train for the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Clearly, the Hall of Famer keeps the 2023 Owen Hart Cup winner in high regard and hopes for the best from him in WWE.

Ricky Starks had been long rumored to join the Stamford-based promotion. However, his journey to WWE wasn’t as straightforward as expected. The former AEW Tag Team Champion had to wait for months before Tony Khan granted him his release this week.

How Ricky Starks’ WWE NXT debut came about

Without a doubt, Ricky Starks’ WWE debut on NXT was one of the most shocking ones in recent times. According to Walkway Fight, Starks’ deal with WWE came together so quickly that the company had not even prepared any merchandise for its new signing.

Ricky Starks
Ricky Starks on NXT [via- Wrestle Ops/@X]

What many had noted from his debut was that no one acknowledged him by his name. As per company sources, this was intentional. Whether it was due to a pending name change or trademark issues is yet to be seen. Moreover, Starks had trademarked “Ricky Starks” through his company last year.

Starks’ stint in AEW didn’t end on the best of terms. The 35-year-old star reportedly garnered heat backstage for attending the Royal Rumble event in 2023. Nevertheless, fans cannot wait to see what Starks has to offer in WWE on the road to WrestleMania 41.

Related: “He’s a GOAT,” Jey Uso reveals what John Cena told him in the ring after his surprising Royal Rumble victory