Ricky Starks has been absent from AEW television for over six months, leading to speculation about his status with the company. Despite his absence, Starks remains under contract with AEW, with the company having exercised an option year in the spring of 2024 that extends his stay into the spring or summer of 2025.
Starks recently made appearances at Glory Pro Wrestling and GCW, ending his wrestling hiatus. At GCW, he addressed his situation, claiming he was being “frozen” out. This has fueled further questions about his future in AEW.
Sources within AEW indicate that Starks hasn’t been factored into creative plans since his absence began, despite being cleared to compete. While he was present backstage at AEW Full Gear, his role within the company remains uncertain.
Prior to AEW picking up his option year, Starks had reportedly hoped to test the open market. However, he is now contractually obligated to AEW, despite not being utilized on television.
The question now becomes: why would AEW extend Starks’ contract only to keep him on the sidelines? Is this a strategic move to prevent him from jumping ship to WWE, who are rumored to be interested in the talented star? Or is there a deeper issue at play, perhaps a creative disagreement or personal conflict?
Whatever the reason, Starks’ situation is a perplexing one. A rising star with undeniable charisma and in-ring ability, he seems to be stuck in a state of limbo. While AEW fans eagerly await his return to television, the company remains tight-lipped about any plans for his future.
One thing is certain: Ricky Starks is a valuable asset to any wrestling promotion. Whether he ultimately finds his spotlight back in AEW or elsewhere, his undeniable talent and captivating personality are sure to make him a force to be reckoned with.
As of now, there are no known plans for Starks’ return to AEW programming. His future with the company remains unclear, leaving fans to wonder when and if he will be prominently featured again.
Source Fightful
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