Ricky Starks Says It Was Important For Him To Be There For Cody Rhodes At The Royal Rumble

After spending several months on the bench due to a torn pectoral injury, Cody Rhodes made his triumphant return to the ring at the 2023 Royal Rumble match entering in the coveted number 30 spot. Rhodes then went on to win the match and punch his ticket to WrestleMania.

While Cody Rhodes made headlines for his win, another moment that took place before the match was also making headlines. Following the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, photos started circulating on social media that showed Ricky Starks entering the arena along with Cody Rhodes.

The picture quickly went viral and many fans started speculating as to what this could mean for the AEW Star. Naturally, tons of fans wondered why the AEW star was there.

Ricky Starks spoke about the incident for the first time during an interview with Stephanie Chase. He said that Cody Rhodes has been there for him so many times, and he wanted to be there for him this time. Ricky also mentioned that he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of his appearance at Royal Rumble.

“It was important to him because and that’s my friend. That’s a guy who has helped me out through a neck injury. That’s a guy who has helped me out through my career even even before AEW…even before AEW when I was an extra at SmackDown, this guy talked to me gave me advice when he didn’t have to. When I was on the Indies I ran into him that that is what’s important.

I don’t give a sh*t and I want everyone who’s watching this to do this verbatim. I don’t give a shit if there’s some tribalism from the fans. I don’t care if someone from my company or over there thinks it’s a bad work. I don’t give a f*ck. That is my friend and one thing about me is I’m genuinely going to be a friend no matter what and if you ride for me, I’m gonna ride for you.”

Following his win at Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes will now face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Although the two men are set to face off, they haven’t come face to face yet.

However, Rhodes will be at SmackDown this week so we will have to wait and see if they two finally meet each other in person. Stay tuned to Ringside News for live coverage of SmackDown.

Transcription by Ringside News

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments section.