Ricky Starks’ Surprise GCW Appearance Approved by AEW But Future Remains Uncertain

Ricky Starks is keeping fans guessing about his next move, but one thing is clear—AEW gave the green light for his shocking appearance at GCW’s Dream On event just hours before AEW Full Gear 2024. Starks, who hasn’t appeared on AEW programming since April, lit up the GCW crowd with a fiery promo that addressed his frustrations and hinted at a potential career shift.

“I’ll be damned if I sit at home and get frozen out,” Starks passionately told the GCW audience. “I am 34 years old, I am healthy, I am god damn good looking, and most importantly, I am a generational superstar!”

While his GCW booking had fans speculating about his future outside of AEW, it turns out the appearance was fully approved by AEW management. According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, AEW not only signed off on Starks’ GCW involvement but also welcomed him backstage at Full Gear later that evening.

“Ricky Starks was backstage at the PPV, the first time he’s been at an AEW event in some time,” Johnson reported, adding that Starks was “warmly greeted by those backstage.” However, there’s still no official word on when—or if—Starks will return to AEW programming.

This unexpected development has fans buzzing about Starks’ status within AEW. While his GCW promo hinted at dissatisfaction, AEW’s willingness to collaborate on his outside booking suggests the company isn’t ready to let the self-proclaimed generational superstar slip away just yet.

Starks’ electrifying presence at both GCW and AEW on the same day has reignited interest in his career trajectory, leaving fans eager to see where he lands next.