Ricky Starks Will Not Be Granted AEW Release Amidst WWE Interest

Ricky Starks has been one of AEW’s brightest stars since his debut in 2020, but fans have been scratching their heads since his sudden disappearance from TV in late March. Even though he’s been off AEW programming for months, it’s now been confirmed that Starks won’t be released from his AEW contract anytime soon—despite speculation swirling about a possible WWE move.

Starks last appeared on the March 30th episode of AEW Collision, where he teamed up with Big Bill in a tag team title tournament match against Top Flight. Unfortunately, Starks seemed to suffer an injury during the match, and he hasn’t been seen on TV since. The exact reason for his absence remains unclear, but what’s certain is that the rumor mill hasn’t stopped churning.

A fan recently tweeted about Friday Night SmackDown’s upcoming three-hour expansion in 2025, suggesting WWE would need extra time for stars like The Lucha Brothers, Daniel Garcia, and Ricky Starks. This led to a swift response from Ibou of WrestlePurists, who shut down any talk of Starks heading to WWE anytime soon.

“Ricky Starks is under AEW contract and will not be granted a release. I do not know why he keeps coming up in these conversations,” Ibou tweeted, putting those rumors to rest—for now.

Before becoming a household name in AEW, Ricky Starks made a name for himself on the indie circuit, wrestling for promotions like NWA, where he became the NWA World Television Champion. His big break came in 2020 when he signed with AEW after an impressive open challenge against Cody Rhodes. Starks quickly became a fan favorite with his charismatic promos and in-ring prowess. Aligning with Team Taz, he established himself as a major player in AEW, eventually feuding with top stars and capturing the FTW Championship

Despite his current absence, Starks remains under contract with AEW, and WWE NXT is reportedly very interested in signing him whenever he becomes available. However, Tony Khan has made it clear that Starks is not getting his release. So, for now, the only thing left for Starks—and his fans—is to wait and see what AEW has planned for his return.

Starks’ talent is undeniable, and the buzz around him isn’t going away anytime soon. Whether he sticks with AEW or ends up in WWE down the line, one thing is clear: Ricky Starks’ future is still full of potential.

With Starks staying under AEW’s umbrella for the foreseeable future, only time will tell how things will unfold.

What’s your take on Ricky Starks staying with AEW? Do you think we’ll eventually see him in WWE? Let us know in the comments below!