Former AEW star Ricky Starks made a surprise appearance on this week’s WWE NXT, delivering a promo about NXT needing a superstar of the future and the top free agent if it’s to be considered the pinnacle of professional wrestling while vowing to make a significant impact.
This comes after he was removed from the AEW roster page on Monday and reported being released from his contract after telling the promotion not to pick up his contract option. Despite being healthy and wanting to wrestle, AEW had not used him for nearly a year on TV.
All signs are that he’ll be at Vengeance Day this Saturday. He was supposed to work for Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, which hosts a show on this same date. However, the promotion announced he wouldn’t be appearing.
WWE usually lets talent finish their previously agreed-upon indie dates after signing with the company. With them pulling him from the event, it could indicate he will be at the PLE instead. You can see their statement below:
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, Ricky Starks will not be in attendance on Saturday, February 15th at the Tannery Row Ale House. However, you can still expect the same incredible evening of Georgia’s premier star studded, action packed, family friendly, independent professional wrestling that TCW Live has to offer! We will see you at the matches!”
🚨Important announcement🚨
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Ricky Starks will not be in attendance on Saturday, February 15th at the Tannery Row Ale House. However, you can still expect the same incredible evening of Georgia’s premier star studded, action packed, family… pic.twitter.com/LyQXDQ2gkh
— Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling (@Turnbuckle_CW) February 12, 2025
