Arrivals and departures are part and parcel of professional wrestling but rarely do we see business conducted as quickly as it has been with Ricky Starks. Just one day after his release from AEW, Starks shocked the world by appearing on NXT.
Cutting a promo reminiscent of Razor Ramon, Starks confirmed himself as WWE’s latest acquisition. Nestled in amongst the excited Florida crowd, Starks sent a fiery statement to the NXT locker room, vowing to “turn this place upside down.”
While Starks has made his name in AEW over the past five years, he may be unknown to many of WWE’s fanbase. Here are five things you should know about the Absolute One before he makes his in-ring debut on NXT.
Before AEW, Ricky Starks Made History in NWA
Starks was a big part of NWA’s resurgence from 2018 to 2020. The roster included some impressive names, with the likes of Cody Rhodes, Brody King, and LA Knight signed to the promotion at the same time as Starks.
Starks had many memorable feuds and matches against Nick Aldis, Trevor Murdoch, and Zicky Dice but his finest moment came during the NWA World Television Championship Tournament. Wins against Eddie Kingston, Matt Cross, Tim Storm, and Murdoch in the tournament final, saw Starks crowned the inaugural World Television Champion.
The reign would be dramatically short-lived though. He would go on to lose the title just two days later to Dice.
There’s A Reason Ricky Starks Looks Familiar…
When Starks appeared on NXT, it was a full-circle moment. Starks’ first taste of professional wrestling was on a SmackDown taping in 2012. Teaming up with Rob Barnes in a handicap match against future WWE champion Jinder Mahal, the duo submitted to a double Camel Clutch in just 39 seconds.
Starks also infamously cameoed on Raw in 2013 as an extra, being put through a buffet table by Ryback. He also appeared on Raw in 2018 as a US Marshal attempting to arrest Roman Reigns. Predictably, Starks was not successful in his attempts to detain the Tribal Chief.
He’s Remained Close with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk Post-AEW
Starks made headlines throughout 2024 for supporting Cody Rhodes during two key moments of his ‘Finish the Story’ narrative. Firstly, at the Royal Rumble, and secondly, at WrestleMania.
Starks was also present at WrestleMania to support his close friend, Jade Cargill, who was making her WrestleMania debut. Another pivotal relationship Starks cultivated during his AEW years was with CM Punk.
The Second City Saint mentored Starks, helping him to develop his in-ring prowess. They also engaged in a memorable feud. Starks has continued to be supportive of Punk, defending him in the press during his transition from AEW to WWE.
His Trash-Talking is Reminiscent of the Attitude Era
Ricky Starks’ mic skills have often been compared to The Rock and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. The Absolute One has named The Undertaker and Mankind among his favorites from that era. This perhaps explains Starks’ acclaimed style of trash-talking.
Now, in a time where trash-talking has evolved to include online spaces, it’ll be interesting to see how Starks interacts with his fellow WWE superstars. The prospect of Starks squaring up to the likes of LA Knight and Drew McIntyre is an exciting one.
Starks is Currently a Championship Holder for Another Promotion
Prior to his NXT debut, Starks challenged DEFY World Champion Kenta at DEFY Hundredth on February 7th. Starks was successful in his challenge, winning the title from the former WWE superstar. It has yet to be reported how Starks is to manage his newly acquired title alongside his new NXT commitments.
WWE has recently allowed their superstars to appear in other promotions, such as Iyo Sky at Marigold Summer Destiny last year. Actively defending a title would require much more time – perhaps a reflection of Starks’ unknown contractual agreement with WWE.
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