Matt Hardy on AEW Holding Talent Under Contract: “It Happens in Business All the Time”

Ricky Starks hasn’t been seen on AEW television since March, and fans are starting to wonder when—or if—he’ll return. Despite his absence, the 2024 spring option year on his AEW contract was reportedly picked up, confirming that the company still has him under contract. However, it’s been rumored that Starks was hoping to test free agency, leaving fans to question what’s next for the charismatic star.

On a recent episode of his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Matt Hardy shared his thoughts on the situation, saying, “I can’t speak into the reasoning they’re not using him, because I don’t know those details obviously. I can say, I grew to like Ricky Starks so much. I love me some Ricky Starks.” Hardy went on to praise Starks’ talent, describing him as “extremely talented” and “extremely charismatic,” with the potential to be a major star in the future—“especially if he gets the correct opportunity.”

Hardy also addressed the business side of things, acknowledging that it’s not uncommon in wrestling for talent to remain under contract, even if they’re unhappy. He explained, “I get Tony Khan holding someone under contract until the end of their deal, I mean, if they’re being paid, it is what it is. You signed a contract. That happens in business all the time, so that’s nothing new in pro wrestling.”

When asked about his personal take on holding unhappy talent, Hardy said, “It can be [within the business’s right]. In theory, if you signed a contract, you have made this agreement to do that time, so it is what it is. Now, I’m very different. I could see if someone did not want to be — if I’m the boss and someone asked me, ‘Hey, I’m not happy here, I’d like to move on and do this or that’, I get that and I would probably think a little differently.”

Hardy went on to say that if a wrestler didn’t want to be there, he’d likely release them, pointing to Ethan Page’s release and successful transition to NXT as an example of the potential benefits of such a move.

Starks was also scheduled to appear at several GCW events, but AEW pulled him from those bookings. Reports suggest that the decision was partly influenced by controversial comments made by Effy regarding AEW’s Tony Khan and Shad Khan.

So, with all this drama surrounding Ricky Starks’ future in AEW, fans are left wondering what’s next for the rising star. Will he stay with AEW, or will he seek greener pastures?