On Monday, February 10th, AEW revealed that, after what had been years of asking for their releases, that Miro, Malakai Black, and Ricky Starks were all granted their leave from the company. Additional details have since come out about the releases and what they mean for the next moves of each of these performers.
In a report from Fightful Select, it was noted that all three performers had been looking to exit AEW for some time. It was noted that Black’s deal could have been through as late as 2027 but that he’s seeking a release for some time. It is unknown when Miro’s original deal was set to be up, but he too had been looking to leave the company. Despite being healthy and cleared to return to the ring. Miro hasn’t wrestled since 2023 as there hasn’t been anything pitched for him through creative. Finally, Starks first asked for his release in 2023 but it was not granted. More than that, Starks asked the company not to pick up his option, but they did so anyway. Starks has rarely been seen on AEW since but it was reported that he was working through the remainder of his deal, which was almost up.
Perhaps most importantly, the Fightful Select report noted that all of these AEW releases are effective immediately and do not come with any sort of non-compete clauses meaning Miro, Starks, and Black can all sign with another wrestling company as soon as they want. Many believe that company will be WWE, especially in the case of Malakai Black (Aleister Black) who apparently has already been discussed in creative plans and is expected to return to the company. WWE could also opt for a reunion with Miro (Rusev), who’s biggest career success came during his time as the Bulgarian Brute. Perhaps most intriguing though, would be WWE signing Ricky Starks. Starks and Cody Rhodes are incredibly close and Starks has even been spotted at WWE events to cheer on his friend. It wouldn’t be surprising if Rhodes pushed for WWE to sign Starks, who would certainly be seen as a top free agent. Starks is a fantastic talker and great wrestler. He would be a perfect fit for WWE.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on the AEW releases of Miro, Malakai Black, and Ricky Starks and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube
