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Ex-AEW Star Ricky Starks Makes Shocking Debut on WWE NXT

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Fernando Quiles Jr. | Last updated Feb 12, 2025 2:07 AM ET

Shortly after his AEW departure was reported, Ricky Starks made his presence felt on NXT.

The official website of AEW recently removed roster pages for the likes of Starks, Malakai Black, and Miro. A report from Fightful Select noted that the released talent were looking for their exit from the promotion “for some time.” Starks made a brief appearance for GCW, but many wondered how long he’d stick around AEW given his lack of TV time as of late. Fans got their answer after Starks was scrubbed from the AEW roster page, and he’s already found himself on WWE programming.

Ricky Starks Appears on WWE NXT

I truly feel Ricky Starks was AEW’s version of LA Knight. Was he going to agree with everything presented to him? No, but there had to be a way to work around it. AEW couldn’t do it, but can WWE? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/LjYtH9iSF8

— Fernando Quiles Jr. (@FQJMMA) February 12, 2025

During the February 11 episode of WWE NXT, a familiar face appeared in the crowd with a microphone in hand. That recognizable face was indeed Ricky Starks, and he had a message for the WWE Universe.

“It’s obvious you know who I am,” Starks said. “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 right now, baby. Do not let the handsome face and expensive fragrance fool you. I am here to turn this place upside down, and everybody’s been begging to question when will the revolution be televised again. Well, I’m here, ain’t I?”

Starks’ most recent match took place on a February 7 show under the DEFY banner. He defeated NJPW star KENTA to capture the DEFY World Championship. You’ll have to go all the way back to the March 30, 2024, episode of AEW Collision to find Starks’ last match on AEW television.

While the lack of activity under AEW for Starks has been puzzling to some, rumors have swirled claiming that “Absolute” wasn’t too fond of his creative direction. It appears that Starks is in search of a fresh start under the WWE banner, and one has to wonder how working in NXT will positively impact his career going forward.

This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission.

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