Ricky Starks Joins WWE After Disappearing From AEW Programming

The worst-kept secret in professional wrestling has been realized.

On Tuesday, former AEW wrestler Ricky Starks made an appearance at WWE’s NXT show. Earlier in the week, AEW publicly released Starks from his contract thus making him a free agent.

He had been off television for over a year participating in sporadic indie shows. AEW essentially cut him out of its plans despite Starks previously being billed as a top guy in the company. There wasn’t a concrete reason as to why this was the case.

He did have a notable exchange with former WWE superstar Edge (Adam Copeland) during a segment which got a bit too personal and all the while very awkward. That may have played a role in Starks being banished for all intents and purposes.

Now, he’ll transition over to WWE alongside his real-life good friend Cody Rhodes.

Coming from the top of the arena, Starks shocked everyone as he walked out with a mic. He talked about being “the hottest free agent” now appearing on “the hottest brand” in the business. Interestingly enough, Starks never used his name. This could signal a change in persona. Last week, WWE did trademark a handful of new names presumably set for future wrestlers.

Starks fits the NXT profile as a gregarious wrestler with strong mic skills, a technical background, and the chops to emerge as a household name.

As for AEW, this does seem like a ‘fumbling the bag’ situation. Starks is immensely talented, and is still young enough to build around. Now, he will be featured with the ‘Evil Empire’ similarly to other AEW wrestlers (Jade Cargill, Penta, CM Punk, Andrade) who jumped ship to a more credible product.

Starks might not be the last one, either. Strong rumblings have WWE interested in the likes of Wardlow, Rey Fenix, and Malakai Black (among others).