AEW star Ricky Starks has been absent from TV appearances for months, but a major update has emerged about his status with the promotion. He last appeared on AEW TV in March 2024, where he teamed with Big Bill in a tag team title tournament match against Top Flight.
Since that match, Ricky Starks has not been featured on AEW programming. Instead, Starks has been wrestling in three matches outside of AEW. The most recent one took place at HOG’s Watch The Throne event.
During this match, he lost to Mike Santana in a HOG Heavyweight Title match. His involvement in independent wrestling has raised some questions about his future with AEW. As Starks continues to make his mark on the independent scene, fans are wondering what’s next for him in AEW. Recent reports have revealed that Starks has officially requested his release from the promotion.
Ricky Starks reportedly requests Release from AEW: What’s next?
During the WrestlePurists‘ WWE RAW Recap, Ibou from WrestlePurists shared that Ricky Starks requested his release from AEW, but Tony Khan has refused to grant it. He stated, “At the end of the day, things happened to where he’s on the outs with AEW right now. It is what it is. There’s a lot of things, most of it will never be reported.”
Ibou also added, “But ultimately there’s a falling out there and it is what it is. He’s asked for a release, Tony won’t give it to him, and he’s just going to wait the rest of his deal. He’s going to stay relevant by working indy dates and good for him. That’s just gonna be the situation in the meantime.” [H/T: Cultaholic]
As Starks continues to work on the independent scene and wait for his contract to run out, WWE appears to be a likely destination for him. Reports have already surfaced that the promotion is interested in him. Now, only time will tell when Starks will officially become a free agent and make his move to WWE.
