GCW Boss Breaks Silence on Ricky Starks’ AEW Pull-Out Drama

The fallout from AEW pulling Ricky Starks from all future GCW appearances just took a turn as GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale addressed the controversy head-on during the GCW Weekly podcast. Lauderdale didn’t hold back, shedding light on the messy situation that has left indie fans scratching their heads.

“It’s a weird situation because Ricky Starks is an independent contractor,” Lauderdale began, hitting at the heart of a long-standing debate in pro wrestling. “Theoretically, an independent contractor is independent and can work wh

erever they want. But in wrestling, these so-called independent contractors don’t seem very independent. They’re at the whim of an employer, making it seem like they’re employees.”

The promoter shared his frustration, revealing he found out about Starks’ removal at the same time as the public. He also admitted to having zero direct communication with AEW, saying, “I’ve never talked to Tony Khan on the phone or via text in my entire life. Any AEW talent who has worked with us—those arrangements have always been between me and the talent. I assume everything is cleared on their end.”

Lauderdale addressed the rumor mill swirling around Starks’ situation, including Effy’s controversial comments about Shad Khan potentially playing a role. However, he admitted he’s unsure what’s fact or speculation. “I’ve heard things in many directions,” he said. “Without hearing directly from AEW, it’s hard to tell what’s real, what’s not, or what people are just making up.”

For GCW, the fallout isn’t just disappointing—it’s disruptive. Lauderdale acknowledged the frustration of having to pull advertised matches, saying, “To promote something and have to pull it back is not ideal. But when you book television or contracted talent, you do it knowing this could happen for any reason at any time. It sucks, but it’s part of the deal.”

The lack of clarity on whether AEW’s decision was meant to punish Ricky Starks, GCW, or both has left Lauderdale feeling like he’s in the dark. “It doesn’t feel great,” he admitted. “I’d love to know if there’s something we can do. Fans were looking forward to this, and to have it fall apart is disappointing.”

This situation leaves fans with more questions than answers. Brett Lauderdale’s remarks shine a light on the challenges indie promotions face when working with contracted talent, and it’s clear the fallout from Ricky Starks’ removal has shaken things up. As we wait for AEW to address the situation—or maybe stay silent—one thing is certain: the drama isn’t over.