34-year-old former AEW champion will part ways with Tony Khan and join WWE, according to veteran
A wrestling veteran recently speculated that a 34-year-old star and former AEW champion will likely depart from the Tony Khan-led company to join WWE. The veteran in question is Matt Morgan, who was speaking about Ricky Starks.
The Absolute has been missing from All Elite programming since March this year after he and then-tag partner Big Bill were eliminated from the quarterfinals of the AEW World Tag Team Title Tournament by Top Flight. While many fans have been clamoring for Starks' return, some have been speculating on the prospect of the former FTW Champion heading over to WWE, where he would be welcomed by many of his former colleagues from AEW, including Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Jade Cargill.
During a recent edition of Gigantic Pop, WWE veteran Matt Morgan was asked to share his views on Ricky Starks' current status in All Elite Wrestling. The Blueprint responded by stating his belief that Stroke Daddy will jump ship to WWE.
"I do think Ricky [Starks] will end up in WWE, I honestly do," said Morgan. [21:13 - 21:16]
It remains to be seen whether Starks will opt to try his luck under Triple H's creative regime if and when his time in All Elite Wrestling comes to an end.
AEW will not be granting Ricky Starks a release, according to a recent report
Despite being one of AEW's most well-rounded talents, Ricky Starks has not been featured on television for quite some time now. His hiatus has fed into conjecture regarding his contract status with the Jacksonville-based promotion, especially in light of recent rumors surrounding WWE's supposed interest in him.
However, Ibou of WrestlePurists recently corroborated previous reports which claimed that the star was still signed with All Elite Wrestling. The update also stated that the promotion will not grant Starks a release.
"Ricky Starks is under [All Elite Wrestling] contract and will not be granted a release. I do not know why he keeps coming up in these conversations."
![Ibou of WrestlePurists shared an update on Ricky Starks' rumored contract status [Source: X/Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/515cd-17268048248182-1920.jpg?w=500)
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Ricky Starks in the pro wrestling world.
Please credit Gigantic Pop and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.