Tony Khan Thinks Ricky Starks’ Injury Could Make Him A ‘More Versatile Performer’ Like Shawn Michaels

Ricky Starks is undeniably a very talented pro wrestler and has a bright future ahead of him in AEW. Unfortunately for Starks, he suffered a fractured neck and is expected to be out of action for a few months.

While many fans feel this might have just killed any momentum Ricky Starks hard, Tony Khan doesn’t see it that way. While speaking on Busted Open Radio, Tony Khan talked about Ricky Starks’ injury.

Tony Khan noted that Starks’ injury could have been much worse as he at least doesn’t require surgery. Khan then added that Starks will come back better than ever, comparing him to Shawn Michaels in the mid-90s, who was on the shelf and returned as a versatile performer.

“Do you remember when Shawn Michaels had that phase in the mid 90’s, in 94, where he wasn’t wrestling as actively? Even before they (Shawn and Diesel) won the tag belts, he was almost more of the manager. He did some speaking, did some announcing and became a more versatile performer. And I thought when he came back and they were the tag team and then did the turn that he was probably in a better place for it, really.

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“I think that can hopefully be what we get out of this. He (Ricky) can come back and, being involved with Hobbs and Cage, that when he’s back he’ll be in a better position. But it’s very unfortunate. I’m just glad he’s okay and, in the moment, I think we all felt like ‘that could’ve been a lot worse’, when Hangman put him down. Starks is one of the most exciting young wrestlers we have, and I’m just glad, like I told him, ‘months is better than years. And so the few months, we’ll get through this.’ He’s been a huge part of our success and I think when we come back hopefully we can experience success in this time when he’s out, and we’ll be in a better place when he comes back and hopefully he will too.”

It will still be a few months until Ricky Starks will be cleared for an in-ring return. We will have to see what AEW will have planned for Starks once he makes his comeback to the squared circle.

h/t to Wrestling Inc for the quotes.