Ricky Starks. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Ricky Starks is doing himself no favors right now

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Nov 27, 2024 5:26 PM ET

Ricky Starks has been causing a stir within the wrestling community. He recently made an appearance at a Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) event, where he cut a promo regarding his contract situation with AEW. Since then, he's discussed his viral spot with Adam Copeland, claiming that he came out of that segment looking good.

Starks hasn't been seen on AEW television for a considerable amount of time. There also hasn't been any public discussion regarding a potential role for him in the near future, so, it seems counterproductive for him to be burning bridges with no clear path back to relevancy.

However, Starks has continued to double down. During a recent appearance on the Chris Van Vliet podcast, Starks discussed being caught at the 2023 WWE Royal Rumble and the discussions that took place with AEW talent afterward.

“I remember the next day, Sunday, I woke up and this whole thing was blowing up. I was like what is this? I had people from my job, I had one guy who was like ‘Were you at the Rumble last night?’ I said ‘Yeah and what the f--- about it?’ He goes ‘Just saying that’s a bad look.’ How is it a bad look? ... Tell me how that is a bad look. We got people on our own program talking about people in the other company, but me having my security footage exposed is a bad look? Give me a break!"

It's long been rumored that Starks wants to jump to WWE. At the current rate, it may be the only promotion willing to work with him. It's one thing to have a heated promo with a co-star on television; it's another to reveal personal discussions during a podcast interview.

Starks isn't a star talent. He doesn't have the pull that others within the industry can boast. Therefore, he must be smart with how he approaches every media appearance and how he conducts himself when working on indie events.

Perhaps Starks is trying to force AEW to let him out of his current contract. Even if that is the case, it's his reputation that is taking the beating. He has very little leverage to force himself into a more favorable situation.

Starks isn't doing himself any favors, but if it all leads to him joining the WWE, he is unlikely to have any complaints.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

More must-reads: