Ricky Starks’ absence from AEW television isn’t just about his contract—it’s about Tony Khan’s approach to booking.
According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Starks asked for his release months ago, but Tony Khan refused. While Starks has maintained that he never turned down any creative pitches, AEW still hasn’t used him since March 30. Meltzer reported that the original plan was for Starks and Big Bill to split up, leading to a babyface turn for Starks—but that never happened.
Instead, sources say Khan has a specific way of handling talent who don’t fit into his long-term plans. “Tony Khan more and more if someone doesn’t want to do his creative, unless they are his top-tier guys, he just stops using them with the idea there are tons of other people who are cooperative that want TV time,” Meltzer noted.
This strategy has led to Starks being sidelined despite not rejecting any booking ideas. AEW reportedly decided against pushing him forward once it became clear that he was likely leaving when his contract expires in the spring. “Once he was convinced Starks was leaving, he wasn’t going to book him going forward because that’s just how he does things,” Meltzer added.
While other talent in AEW have managed to get what they want most of the time, Starks fell into the category of wrestlers who just had to go along with whatever was planned—or risk being taken off TV completely.
With WWE reportedly interested in bringing Starks to NXT, AEW’s decision to ice him out only adds more fuel to the speculation about his next move. Will Starks find himself making an impact elsewhere, or is there any chance AEW changes course before his contract expires?
Do you think AEW should be using Ricky Starks, or is Tony Khan making the right call? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
January 24, 2025 10:27 am
