Ricky Starks Shocks Fans with NXT Debut After AEW Exit -

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Ricky Starks made a surprise appearance on Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT, entering the arena through the crowd in Orlando.

The former AEW star declared his intention to call Tuesday nights home, signaling a major shift in his wrestling career.

“It’s obvious you know who I am. If NXT is the future of professional wrestling, well guess what? You need an Absolute Superstar of the future! If this is the hottest brand, well you need the hottest free agent around, baby,” Starks proclaimed. He promised to shake things up, referencing his signature catchphrase about the revolution being televised.

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Starks’ debut came just one day after his contract with All Elite Wrestling officially ended, making him a free agent. The 34-year-old had been with AEW since 2020 but had not appeared on AEW television since March 2024. Despite AEW reportedly exercising an option to extend his contract into 2025, Starks ultimately departed after months of speculation regarding his status.

Earlier this year, Starks began taking independent bookings and reportedly requested his release from AEW, which was denied at the time. In a November 2024 interview with Chris Van Vliet, he addressed his absence from AEW programming, confirming that he had not been injured and was unsure why he had been kept off television.

“Beats me. I could have 1,000 theories about what’s going on,” Starks said on Insight. “Would I love to know the exact reason? For sure. But I don’t have a definitive answer. It’s been a cold nine months, but thankfully, I have a sweater, and I’m always ready to keep the warmth going.”

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Starks revealed that his last match in AEW was in March 2024 against Top Flight, where he sustained a minor stinger. However, he was cleared medically and was left waiting on the sidelines for months. Frustrated with his inactivity, he expressed his desire to compete regularly.

“It’s kind of a mindf*ck because I’m in my prime,” he admitted. “It sucks when you’re on such a momentum, riding the wave, doing work, and then to just be at home for so long. I’m not meant to be a homebody in this current phase of my life.”

Now, with a fresh start in WWE’s developmental brand, Starks appears eager to reignite his career. His arrival in NXT signals a major acquisition for WWE and could pave the way for a new chapter in his wrestling journey.

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