Ricky Starks to finally make blockbuster AEW return and align with 33-year-old star? Analyzing the chances

The AEW status of Ricky Starks remains one of the hottest ongoing discussions in the world of wrestling. The multi-time champion has not wrestled for Tony Khan's company since March, and recent developments have fueled further rumors and speculations. Now a potential scenario for Starks' return has been discussed.

The Absolute has not wrestled for the Jacksonville-based promotion in almost nine months. The March 30 edition of Collision saw Starks and Big Bill lose a tournament match to Top Flight. The 34-year-old has worked several indie events while away from the AEW ring, but he was also recently pulled from outside dates. Khan has confirmed that Starks was still under contract, and the man himself has said he's healthy, but there's no concrete word on why he has been on hiatus.

Starks could find an ally in Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed, according to one narrative making the rounds. There has been tension between Bowens and Max Caster, fueling rumors of the one-time World Tag Team Champions potentially splitting up. Caster has also taken shots at Starks on social media lately.

The team of Bowens and Starks could make a serious run at the World Tag Team Championship, or perhaps the World Trios Championship if Billy Gunn is brought into the storyline. However, it is likely that Caster would have to be dealt with first. There's a feeling that the Absolute could make a big impact by returning to take care of the disrespectful 35-year-old, and then offering to make a run at the titles with Bowens.

A storyline with Starks and The Acclaimed would also provide a fresh set of matches and angles for AEW fans. Starks has never wrestled nor teamed with, Caster or Bowens, and that goes for singles and tag team action.

Updated lineup for AEW Worlds End

The second annual AEW Worlds End pay-per-view will take place in less than two weeks. Below is the updated lineup for the big event, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 28 from Addition Financial Arena in Orlando:

Continental Classic League Final: Gold League winner vs. Blue League runner-up;
Continental Classic League Final: Blue League winner vs. Gold League runner-up;
International Championship Match: Konosuke Takeshita (c) vs. Powerhouse Hobbs;
Dynamite Diamond Ring Match: MJF (c) vs. Adam Cole;
Tijuana Street Fight for the Women's World Championship: Mariah May (c) vs. Thunder Rosa;
Continental Classic Championship Final: League Final winner vs. League Final winner for the Continental Championship
World Championship Fatal Four-Way Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Adam Page vs. Jay White.

AEW is scheduled to return to pay-per-view on Saturday, February 15, 2025, as they present Grand Slam from Brisbane, Australia at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Revolution is then scheduled for Sunday, March 9 from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.