5 Ways Ricky Starks could be booked for AEW return after recent fallout
AEW star Ricky Starks has been going through a tough time currently given the ups and downs happening in his career. The former FTW Champion's career was looking as promising as ever when he signed with the Tony Khan-led promotion. Last year was a blockbuster period for him as he was involved in major feuds with top stars.
The Absolute even went on to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championship. However, the 34-year-old star's push was stalled due to unknown reasons and he has not been featured on AEW programming since March 2024. In the last few weeks, he started to appear in different independent promotions. He was announced to wrestle and appear in Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) as well.
However, Tony Khan reportedly decided to pull Starks from the announced dates in GCW because the latter promotion's talent, Effy, made some harsh remarks about the AEW President and his father, Shahid Khan. As per the reports, Ricky will still be able to wrestle in other independent companies. His contract is slated to expire in the summer.
As The Absolute is pulled from the events, he could be booked well in the Jacksonville-based promotion. Let's take a look at five ways AEW should book Starks moving forward.
#5. Reignite his feud with Adam Copeland
Things seemingly got personal between Adam Copeland and Ricky Starks during an infamous promo battle on AEW Collision back in 2023. The duo have not crossed paths since then. The Rated-R Superstar has been absent from AEW since May 2024 due to an injury. However, a recent report claimed that Adam might return in January 2025 as he is medically cleared but finishing filming projects.
Ricky Starks could make a blockbuster return on Dynamite in the next couple of weeks and call out Adam Copeland. The latter would then return and the duo could have a decent feud to settle their past differences.
#4. Align with Big Bill
Ricky Starks and Big Bill had a great tag team last year. After a few matches, the duo went on to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championship. After holding the titles for four months, the duo lost them to Sting and Darby Allin. Currently, Bill is a part of The Learning Tree.
With Starks possibly coming back, Big Bill could exit the Chris Jericho-led faction. The duo then can compete together to recapture the AEW World Tag Team Championship from the Private Party.
#3. He could be announced as a last-minute participant in the Continental Classic
The Continental Classic is just around the corner as it starts on the upcoming Wednesday on Dynamite. With 12 participants already announced for the tournament, AEW should write off any star involved in the bracket, which would leave a vacant spot for Ricky Starks.
The former FTW Champion could put on top-notch matches and play an important role in the Continental Classic.
#2. Will Ricky Starks attack Tony Khan?
Tony Khan has not booked Ricky Starks on any show for almost eight months despite the latter being healthy. After the 34-year-old star started appearing in independent promotions, the AEW President decided to withdraw the former's GCW booking due to his grudges.
Could this potential real-life animosity be turned into a storyline? Earlier this year, Jack Perry brutally attacked Tony Khan. Ricky Starks could assault the AEW President and take revenge for his actions.
#1. The Death Riders could write him off
Jon Moxley and his crew have been targeting the stars who have not helped AEW progress in the past couple of years. They have been assaulting wrestlers from the locker room who are not motivated to bring some positive changes.
With Ricky Starks potentially returning to AEW programming after being on a hiatus for nearly eight months, Jon Moxley could question his dedication to the company. However, after deeming him unworthy, The Death Riders could viciously attack him and write him off.
It will be interesting to see when will Ricky Starks return to action in AEW.