Ricky Starks just went from absolute free agent to WWE’s newest problem solver, and now his indie bookings are disappearing faster than Tony Khan’s patience for disgruntled wrestlers.
The Mysterious Vanishing Act
Starks was set to face AEW’s Aaron Solo on February 15 at a Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling event. But suddenly—poof—he’s out of the match. Solo will still compete, but his opponent is now TBA, which is wrestling code for “We are scrambling.”
And here’s the kicker—that date just happens to be the same night as WWE NXT Vengeance Day. Coincidence? Highly unlikely.
WWE NXT: Starks’ New Playground?
On Tuesday, Starks shocked the NXT crowd, making it very clear that he wasn’t a free agent for long. WWE wasted zero time snatching him up, and now, with Vengeance Day happening that same night? Let’s just say nobody would be surprised if he made an appearance.
The AEW Fallout: Tony Khan Wasn’t Happy
Starks has been done with AEW since earlier this month, with his name quietly removed from the roster page right before his NXT debut.
And if you think his AEW exit was smooth? Think again. Starks burned every bridge on his way out, cutting some very unfiltered promos—including one at GCW that got him banned from their events by Tony Khan himself.
Meanwhile, other ex-AEW names like Malakai Black and Miro are also free agents, with Black strongly rumored for WWE.
What About His Defy Wrestling Championship?
Oh yeah, Ricky Starks is still the Defy World Champion—and he won it just days ago by beating former WWE NXT star KENTA. Defy Wrestling has yet to comment on whether Starks will still be defending the title or if WWE will allow him to continue working indie dates.
What’s Next?
- Will Starks show up at Vengeance Day and shock the world again?
- Will Defy have to crown a new champion immediately?
- Will AEW pretend none of this ever happened? (Spoiler: Probably.)
One thing’s for sure: Ricky Starks just made the most interesting move of 2025—and it’s only February.