Ricky Starks hasn’t been seen on AEW television in over six months, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of the wrestling world. The charismatic star recently returned to the ring at Glory Pro Wrestling and GCW, where he openly claimed he was being “frozen” by AEW. Naturally, this has sparked curiosity about his contract status and what’s next for “Absolute” Ricky Starks.
Despite his absence, sources confirm Starks is not injured and is fully cleared to wrestle. However, he hasn’t been featured on AEW programming or factored into recent creative pitches. His only backstage appearance in recent memory came at AEW Full Gear, where his presence was reportedly “welcomed” by his peers.
According to Fightful Select, Starks’ AEW contract isn’t set to expire anytime soon. AEW exercised an option year in his deal during the spring of 2024, effectively extending his contract into mid-2025. This move may have dashed Starks’ hopes of exploring free agency, as source revealed he was eager to “test the open market” before the option was picked up.
What’s unclear is how AEW plans to use Ricky Starks moving forward. For now, it appears there are no immediate plans involving him, leaving fans to wonder if and when the talented star will make his return to AEW’s spotlight.
What’s next for Ricky Starks? AEW fans are eager to see him back in the mix, but with no clear plans on the horizon, his extended contract could mean more time on the sidelines. Whether AEW finds a way to capitalize on his star power or he waits out his deal, one thing is certain: “Absolute” Ricky Starks has plenty left to prove in the wrestling world.
What do you think about Ricky Starks’ contract situation? Should AEW make better use of him? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.