Backstage update on Ricky Starks' AEW contract situation (Exclusive)

The internet is buzzing with rumors about the contract situation involving Ricky Starks and AEW after Tony Khan reportedly pulled Stroke Daddy from making indie appearances. The 34-year-old hasn't appeared on AEW TV since March 2024.

During a recent edition of Live Q&A on Backstage Pass, WrestleVotes was asked if they had heard any update related to Ricky Starks' contract situation with AEW. The insider responded in the affirmative, noting Starks was being paid to sit at home by his employer.

"I've heard that they are freezing him up. They're gonna pay him and let him sit at home. Whether that's right or wrong, that's up to whatever glasses you're looking at it through: if you're looking as an owner, that's the way Tony Khan feels, then nobody can really question him. If you're looking [at] it as Ricky Starks, like, I wanna wrestle, then I understand that [as well]." [19:30 onwards]

Ricky Starks last competed on AEW TV on the March 30, 2024, edition of Collision, where he and Big Bill lost to Top Flight in the tag team title tournament quarterfinals. Before competing in the tag division, Starks was involved in a high-profile feud with CM Punk for the "real" AEW World Championship.

Speaking of Punk, The Voice of The Voiceless appeared on the latest edition of RAW after he helped Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline defeat Solo Sikoa's team at Survivor Series: WarGames. The closing moments saw Punk hit The Street Champion with the GTS before the OTC hit his cousin with a Spear for the win.

Punk's next feud seems to be with Seth Rollins. Both men got physical after Rollins shoved Punk inside the ring, prompting Jey Uso and Sami Zayn to separate the bitter rivals. It remains to be seen what's next involving CM Punk and Seth Rollins.

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