Ricky Starks’ GCW Promo Reopens Conversation About His AEW Future

Ricky Starks is the name on everyone’s lips again after his jaw-dropping appearance at GCW’s Dream On event just hours before AEW’s Full Gear 2024. But while fans speculated about a potential fallout with AEW, insiders say there’s zero drama behind the scenes.

Starks hasn’t been seen on AEW programming since April, but he made a fiery return to the spotlight at GCW, delivering a promo that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. “I’ll be damned if I sit at home and get frozen out,” Starks declared to the GCW crowd. “I am 34 years old, I am healthy, I am god damn good looking, and most importantly, I am a generational superstar!”

The GCW appearance had fans buzzing about whether Starks was setting the stage to leave AEW, but according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the booking was fully approved by AEW. Not only that, but AEW reportedly rolled out the red carpet for him at Full Gear later that same evening. “Ricky Starks was backstage at the PPV, the first time he’s been at an AEW event in some time,” Johnson shared, adding that Starks was “warmly greeted by those backstage.”

The drama? There isn’t any. Sean Ross Sapp squashed any rumors of issues between Starks and AEW, stating on Fightful Select that “he would work if they brought him in. I haven’t heard of any issues backstage. He wants to wrestle.”

Sapp also noted that Starks’ recent stints with GCW and House of Glory were strategic moves to keep his name in the conversation. “It did get some people finally talking about his status, which he’s still under contract,” Sapp revealed. “He didn’t mind being seen there either. He posed for pictures and all that. Didn’t hear of any issues.”

With AEW’s blessing and no backstage heat, it seems the ball is in Starks’ court. His undeniable charisma and in-ring talent have fans clamoring for his return to AEW television. Whether that happens soon—or if Starks explores other opportunities—remains to be seen.