"I’m not out of action due to injury" - Ricky Starks provides an update on his AEW status

AEW star Ricky Starks has been absent from television for a notable amount of time and many wonder if he's on his way out of the Jacksonville-based promotion. The Absolute is a former AEW World Tag Team Champion.

Ricky Starks has been off television since earlier this year. According to some recent reports, Starks has been frustrated with the lack of opportunities in AEW and it was also revealed that WWE has been eying to sign him after he leaves Tony Khan's company. However, Starks recently took to X (formerly Twitter) and stated that he hasn't turned down any creative pitches and clarified that the situation regarding his booking is out of his control.

In a virtual signing for Highspots, former AEW World Tag Team Champion Ricky Starks confirmed that he's healthy and not out of action due to injury.

“No (I’m not out of action due to injury). I’m healthy, I’m of sound mind and body. I’m capable to wrestle. Just, you know, not up to me. I get a lot of messages lately where people are like, ‘Hey, just checking in on you. Hope you’re doing well. Hope you’re mentally okay,’ and it’s so sweet. It means a lot to me because these people don’t know what’s going on, right?… But yeah, I get a lot of messages and every time I read ‘em, I tear up. Because people still — they care, you know? I love ‘em."

The former FTW Champion said that the decision to return isn't up to him:

"I wish I can give an answer. I’m healthy, I’m ready to get back in the ring. I am in shape obviously, always been in shape. Sometimes it just isn’t up to me, I guess, as they say." [H/T: WrestlePurists]

AEW's Ricky Starks will figure out a way to wrestle soon

In the same virtual signing, Ricky Starks clarified that he will find a way to return to the squared circle despite current circumstances. He believes that he owes his fans some explanation about his recent absence which he may give in the near future.

So, I love wrestling and I’m gonna figure out a way to do it one way or another. But, you know, I at least think I owe fans some type of explanation to the best of my ability, to the best of my knowledge so, some people don’t want to believe that. That’s fine. I don’t give a f*ck”

If AEW releases Ricky Starks from his contract, WWE might sign him to a deal as recent rumors have revealed that Triple H and Shawn Michaels are interested in signing The Absolute. It will be interesting to see how things shape up.