There have been very few professional wrestlers who have generated as much discussion as Ricky Starks recently. Starks plays a crucial role at All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and has been generating buzz, particularly with speculation about a potential contract ending. His talent inside the boxing ring, along with his charming personality when speaking on the microphone, promptly endeared him to his fans.
However, despite that possibility, Starks discovered himself trapped in a negative cycle of unsatisfactory booking choices. Fans and wrestling experts started to condemn how AEW was managing Starks, pointing out that his great skills were not being utilized effectively. This belief became stronger when AEW inexplicably prevented him from appearing on television after the AEW Collision on March 30. The decision caused many to question if Starks’ tenure at the company would suddenly conclude.
Rumors about contracts and increasing uncertainty
As time passed, rumors about Ricky Starks’ fate in AEW intensified. Speculations arose after rumors circulated that his agreement with the company had ended, prompting fans and industry experts to wonder about his plans. Would he make a surprise debut in WWE? It seemed more and more likely as fans began to imagine scenarios of how Starks could be introduced to the Stamford-based promotion.
No. He hasn’t been out of contract with AEW yet.
— PW Nexus (@hashtagPWN) August 21, 2024
Adding fuel to the fire was NXT star Eddie Thorpe, who publicly called out Starks for a possible future showdown. Thorpe’s challenge added to the excitement as fans were hoping for a fight between the two rising stars. But amid all the speculation and rumors, one question remained unanswered: what does Ricky Starks want?
Starks’ loyalty to AEW and emotional damage
In a candid interview, Ricky Starks expressed sadness about how AEW handled his career. Despite his obvious dissatisfaction, Starks made it clear that he bears no grudge against the company. Rather, he seemed surprised by Tony Khan’s apparent indifference to his potential. “I’m sad that Khan didn’t use me properly,” Starks admitted. “But I don’t know why.”
For fans, Starks’ loyalty to AEW is both admirable and heartbreaking. Here is a wrestler who has put forth his maximum effort for the company, only to encounter indifference and confusion. His strong emotional attachment to AEW is evident, and the impact of uncertainty regarding his future weighs heavily on him.
Despite various reports and videos suggesting that Starks has left AEW, PWN has verified that his contract is still active. Fans are now puzzled and curious about what the future holds for the individual who has gained the nickname “Stroke Daddy” after the surprising revelation.
Which will reign supreme in the coming years: WWE or AEW?
Ricky Starks’ future in the wrestling world is still uncertain as fans eagerly await updates. Could he leave AEW dramatically and explore a new chance with WWE? Will he keep battling for his position at the company that supported his development? The drama surrounding Starks’ contract uncertainty has increased, making it one of the most discussed sagas in wrestling currently.
Ricky Starks is facing a decision point. The upcoming step he takes has the potential to reshape his career and alter the professional wrestling industry. Starks’ journey is still ongoing, whether he remains with AEW or transitions to WWE. As fans, we can only observe and anticipate the upcoming chapter in the Ricky Starks saga.