Ricky Starks’ Absence from AEW: A Backstage Update
Ricky Starks, one of AEW’s breakout stars, has been noticeably absent from All Elite Wrestling programming in recent months. Known for his charismatic persona and in-ring prowess, Starks made his AEW debut in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite.1
However, his recent absence has left many fans wondering about his current status within the company. A recent backstage update has shed some light on the situation, offering insights into his hiatus and potential future plans.
Table of Contents
Early Success in AEW
- Ricky Starks’ arrival in AEW in 2020 marked the beginning of a promising career with the company. He gained popularity with his “Absolute” persona, combining athletic ability, charisma, and solid promo skills.
- His early feuds, including a notable rivalry with Darby Allin and his association with Team Taz, helped him carve a niche for himself as a rising star in AEW.
- Starks also made headlines when he became a central figure in AEW’s mid-card scene, often participating in high-profile matches and gaining critical acclaim for his performances.
- His unique blend of cockiness and athleticism resonated with fans, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved young talents in the company.
Recent Absence and Backstage Update
Ricky Starks has not been seen on AEW programming since his and Big Bill’s defeat in the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament earlier in the year. The loss to Top Flight in the quarterfinals raised questions about his future direction in AEW.
According to recent backstage reports, Starks’ absence is attributed to multiple factors, including potential injuries and creative shifts within AEW.
Ricky Starks’ Partnership with Big Bill
One of the more recent developments in Ricky Starks’ AEW career was his tag team partnership with Big Bill (formerly known as Big Cass in WWE). The duo formed an unlikely alliance, competing in the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament earlier this year.
Despite their size difference, they made an intriguing pair, with Starks’ quickness and agility complementing Big Bill’s power and size.
Also Read:Â Ricky Starks Responds to Speculation About WWE Debut with Cryptic Post and Wrestling Figure
Ricky Starks Sets the Record Straight on Major Rumor
The absence of Ricky Starks from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) programming has sparked widespread discussion among fans and insiders alike. Since his debut in AEW in 2020, Starks has quickly become one of the promotion’s most beloved performers, known for his charismatic personality, in-ring skill, and versatility.2
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However, Starks’ recent disappearance from AEW events has left many wondering about his status in the company. With a host of rumors and theories circulating about the reasons behind his absence, Starks has finally addressed the situation, providing clarity for fans and putting certain rumors to rest.
Ricky Starks’ AEW Journey: A Quick Rise to Stardom
Starks joined AEW in June 2020, after impressing during a match against then-TNT Champion Cody Rhodes. He was soon signed to a full-time contract and quickly became a fan favorite. His wrestling style, which combined athleticism with a strong sense of showmanship, helped him stand out in AEW’s competitive roster.
Starks also showed a keen ability to work both as a solo star and within tag teams, notably teaming with Powerhouse Hobbs as part of Team Taz, and later with Big Bill.
Speculation Surrounding Starks’ Absence
In the months following his absence, speculation ran wild among AEW fans and wrestling journalists. Several theories emerged about why Starks had not been featured on TV. Some believed that an injury might have sidelined him, while others suggested that Starks was caught up in creative disputes or backstage conflicts with AEW management.
There were even rumors that he was considering a move away from AEW to pursue opportunities in other wrestling promotions, such as WWE.
Starks Addresses the Rumors
With speculation reaching a fever pitch, Ricky Starks finally addressed the rumors in a recent interview. Speaking candidly, Starks set the record straight about his absence and clarified that it was not due to any of the rumored issues.
He debunked the idea of an injury being the cause, stating that he was in good physical condition and had not sustained any major injuries that would prevent him from competing.
Richard Starks: AEW Star and Acclaimed Professional Wrestler
Richard Starks, born on February 21, 1990, is a rising American professional wrestler who has made a name for himself in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Known for his charisma, in-ring skills, and dedication to the craft, Starks has been a prominent figure in AEW since joining the promotion in 2020.
His time in AEW, along with his previous work in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), has established him as a formidable and entertaining competitor in the world of professional wrestling.
Early Life and Passion for Wrestling
Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, Starks was inspired by wrestling from a young age. Like many wrestlers, his childhood heroes sparked a passion that drove him to pursue a career in the ring.
By the time he entered the world of professional wrestling, Starks had developed a well-rounded skill set, blending athleticism, creativity, and a deep understanding of wrestling psychology.
It’s time for a new star to emerge in this sport. Changing of the guards pic.twitter.com/dxHX8hx3TD
— Ricky Starks (@starkmanjones) July 4, 2022
Early Career and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
Before joining AEW, Ricky Starks gained significant recognition during his time with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He made history by becoming the inaugural winner of the revived NWA World Television Championship, a title that had a storied legacy in professional wrestling.
Joining AEW: A Star is Born
- In 2020, Starks made his All Elite Wrestling debut during an open challenge match against Cody Rhodes, who was the reigning TNT Champion at the time.
- Starks not only impressed the AEW fans with his performance but also earned a contract with the promotion after the match.
- This moment marked a turning point in his career, and he quickly became a key player within AEW’s growing roster.
- Starks’ natural charisma and talent made him a perfect fit for AEW, and he quickly aligned himself with Team Taz, a faction led by legendary wrestler and commentator Taz.
- Teaming up with Powerhouse Hobbs, Starks was able to compete in some of AEW’s most high-profile matches and events, solidifying his status as a fan favorite.
AEW Achievements: Tag Team and FTW Championships
Ricky Starks’ time in AEW has been marked by several notable achievements. One of his major milestones was capturing the AEW World Tag Team Championship alongside his former tag partner, Big Bill.
Their reign as champions showcased Starks’ versatility as a wrestler, proving that he could thrive in both singles and tag team competition.
Also Read:Â Fans React to Rumors of AEW Star Ricky Starks Backstage at WWE Event, Career and More
Professional Wrestling Career: The Early Journey of Ricky Starks
Ricky Starks, a dynamic and charismatic professional wrestler, embarked on his career in 2013. Like many aspiring wrestlers, Starks faced an uphill battle in the early stages of his journey, competing in various promotions while honing his craft and building a reputation.
WWE Appearances: Enhancing Talent
In the beginning, Starks made several notable appearances for WWE as an enhancement talent, also known as a “jobber.” Enhancement talents are typically used to make established stars look strong, but for Starks, these appearances on RAW, SmackDown, and NXT were an opportunity to gain valuable exposure on a global stage.
Though his WWE appearances were brief and often involved him losing to more prominent wrestlers, it was an important step in his development.
Anarchy Championship Wrestling and Inspire Pro Wrestling
Apart from his WWE stints, Ricky Starks was also a regular in the independent wrestling scene, wrestling for promotions like Anarchy Championship Wrestling (ACW) and Inspire Pro Wrestling. These Texas-based promotions gave Starks the platform to establish himself as a top performer outside of the WWE system.
National Wrestling Alliance (NWA): The Turning Point
- Starks’ breakout moment came when he signed with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), a promotion with a rich history dating back to the early days of professional wrestling.
- NWA was undergoing a revival, and Starks was one of the key talents brought in to help spearhead this new era.
- In 2019, Ricky Starks became the inaugural NWA World Television Champion. Winning this title was a significant milestone in his career, as it not only gave him a prestigious accolade but also put him on the map as one of the rising stars in the wrestling world.
- The NWA World Television Championship had a storied past, and by winning it, Starks had the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legends who previously held the title.
Personal Life: Ricky Starks’ Journey and Identity
Ricky Starks, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, has a personal story that is as compelling as his professional wrestling career. Raised by a single mother alongside two siblings, Starks’ upbringing in the culturally rich but sometimes challenging environment of New Orleans shaped him into the resilient and driven individual he is today.
Growing Up in New Orleans
Starks has often spoken about the strong influence his mother had on his life. Being raised in a single-parent household, he witnessed firsthand the struggles and sacrifices his mother made to support their family. This instilled in him a strong work ethic and determination to succeed in whatever path he chose.
Growing up in New Orleans, a city known for its rich musical and cultural heritage, Starks was exposed to various influences. However, his childhood was not without its challenges, particularly with how others perceived him.
Struggles with Identity and Bullying
One of the most personal topics Starks has opened up about is his struggle with identity, particularly in terms of race. Starks is African-American, but his light skin tone led to a complex relationship with his racial identity throughout his life.
He has spoken candidly about the frustration of not being immediately recognized as Black, and how this affected his interactions with others.
Pride in His Heritage
Despite the challenges, Ricky Starks has remained proud of his heritage and who he is. He has embraced his identity fully, using his platform to speak on issues of race and representation. Starks’ willingness to share his story with fans highlights his authenticity, making him a relatable figure for many who have faced similar struggles.
FAQ’S
1. What is Ricky Starks’ current status in AEW?
Ans: Ricky Starks is currently an active wrestler in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He has been involved in major storylines and has built a reputation as one of the company’s rising stars, thanks to his charisma, in-ring ability, and promo skills.
2. Has Ricky Starks faced any recent changes in his AEW career?
Ans: Recently, Ricky Starks has seen increased visibility, competing in high-profile matches and being positioned as a key figure on AEW programming. He has been involved in feuds with top talent and continues to gain momentum within the company.
3. What are some recent backstage insights regarding Ricky Starks?
Ans: Backstage reports suggest that AEW management is very high on Ricky Starks and sees him as a potential future main event star. There have been discussions about further pushing him into bigger storylines and giving him more opportunities to showcase his talent.
4. Has Ricky Starks faced any injuries or issues affecting his AEW status?
Ans: As of the latest updates, Ricky Starks has not been reported to have any significant injuries that would affect his status in AEW. He continues to perform regularly on AEW shows, with no major health concerns.
5. What is Ricky Starks’ trajectory in AEW moving forward?
Ans: Ricky Starks’ trajectory in AEW is very promising, with many expecting him to become a mainstay in the upper mid-card or even main event scene. His recent performances, both in the ring and on the mic, have positioned him for potential title opportunities and continued growth within the company.
Read More:Â Ricky Starks Breaks Silence Following Injury Scare on AEW Collision
