WWE's main roster beckons for Ricky Starks

“It’s obvious you know who I am," Starks said in his debut promo. "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 was always a WWE style of talent. He excels on the microphone and can get the crowd on board with the story he's trying to tell. He's also a high-level in-ring performer. In some ways, the fact he's working with NXT, which is WWE's developmental brand, is somewhat of a shock. Of course, Starks has missed considerable ring time, so his stint in NXT will likely be short-lived.

According to Sam Palmer of Wrestling Inc, Starks' addition to NXT is based on creative angles that are already in play on the main roster ahead of WrestleMania.

"According to WWE sources, the reason why he debuted in "NXT" was because a number of creative plans had already been put in place for WrestleMania 41, while "NXT" would be "more fluid" in working Starks into their creative plans," Palmer reported.

Assuming Starks is a hit in NXT, his transition onto either RAW or SmackDown shouldn't be too far away. In the meantime, he gets an ideal opportunity to be a star within the developmental brand, allowing WWE fans to get behind his new character. 

AEW knew they had a potential star in Starks. For whatever reason, the partnership didn't work out. Now, WWE have an opportunity to add another future main event talent to its roster. All eyes will be on how Starks navigates his new opportunity and if he can finally make good on his undoubted potential.