Ricky Starks just made it clear—he’s not going anywhere. Despite being absent from AEW programming since March, Absolute took the mic at HOG Watch The Throne on January 17, delivering a passionate message to fans after his match against Mike Santana ended in a disqualification.
“Every time I grab a microphone, I somehow get in trouble. So I’m gonna say it as plainly as this, I cannot thank each and every one of you. I’ve been reading your messages, asking if I’m mentally okay, asking if I’m good, checking on me. You don’t know me, but that’s the thing about this wrestling shit, it don’t matter. We’re all a part of one thing,” Starks told the crowd.
He spoke about his love for wrestling, reflecting on his journey and the sacrifices he’s made along the way. “I have loved wrestling since I was seven. I told my mom I would buy her a house off of this, and damn it, I have done that, and I am close to giving her anything else that she wants.”
Starks then made it clear he’s still evolving, and anyone who doubted him better think again. “If the road ain’t paved with cement, guess what? I guess I’m putting on my construction hat, and I’m going to work. If you thought that I was somebody less than a year ago, guess what? You’re sadly mistaken because I have evolved to a man four years from today.”
Closing out his emotional speech, Starks made one final promise. “With the last dying breath in this New Orleans heart, I tell you this, I’m gonna stay Absolute ‘til I d-i-e. You heard? You best believe that I’m gonna make sure I make a quick trip back here to Chicago.”
Starks has yet to confirm when he’ll return to AEW television, but his message was loud and clear—he’s not done, and he’s only getting started.
Ricky Starks just made it crystal clear—Absolute isn’t going anywhere. Whether it’s AEW or somewhere else, he’s got unfinished business, and he’s coming back stronger than ever. If you thought you’d seen everything from him, think again—because Starks is just getting started.
Where do you want to see Ricky Starks next? Should he return to AEW, or is it time for him to make a move elsewhere? Drop your thoughts below!
