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Fans recently engaged in a discourse about a top AEW star's status amid rumors of a move to WWE and how Tony Khan should just let him go. This would be Ricky Starks.
The Absolute One has not been seen on the promotion since late March. He has already split off with his former tag team partner, Big Bill, who is now one of Chris Jericho's branches under the Learning Tree. However, Starks has not been utilized in any manner since then, nor has there been any tease of possible appearances.
Recently, Ricky Starks brought up how he was healthy and ready for in-ring action but couldn't give a concrete reason why he wasn't on TV. This has once again prompted discussions from the fans, with some saying that he should be released, seeing as he may not be used until his contract expires.
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Many fans agreed with this, as he is still under contract and being paid despite making no appearances. One believed that Tony Khan was just holding onto him, amidst the rumors that WWE has been trying to find a way to sign him.
"Dudes getting paid to do nothing," one claimed.
"At this rate, TK must've found WWE trying to hustle Ricky well before the contract was up," another mentioned.
"Then release him," said another.
"Cut him loose and let him flop around in nxt cause look at all of Cody’s other friends. All stuck in nxt and with raw being 2 hours soon that’s even less tv time for the main roster," one mentioned.
Other fans were not amused by the situation and brought up how there were workarounds to this. One said how Ricky Starks could work in the independent circuit in the meantime, like some other stars were doing.
Another talked about how they should find something for him on-screen, similar to how Andrade ended his career there. One even brought up appearing on ROH.
"Scorpio Sky is working an Indy date on Sunday, Ricky could be doing that himself," one realized.
"Andrade was putting banger after banger in the C4 or C2 tournament though! Whatever it’s called lol," another mentioned.
"They should make him job on ROH," one claimed.
Ricky Starks seemingly addressed a move to WWE
During his appearance at a Highspots Virtual Signing event, Ricky Starks spoke about his current absence from the ring and how he felt the love from the fans during this time.
He also seemingly talked about how fans have been clamoring for him to go to WWE and how he took this as a compliment, seeing as many cared for his future.
“Honestly, that’s so sweet that people would say that to me (that they think I’ll end up working for someone else). I think it’s a compliment. A great thing to hear people care about me that much.” [H/T - Wrestletalk]
At this point, the situation has not gotten clearer despite being in this state for several months now. It remains to be seen what resolution both sides come up with.
