Details behind Ricky Starks in NXT
Added 2025-02-12 03:51:18 +0000 UTCRicky Starks has debuted in NXT. At least that's who we THINK HE IS!
Starks debuted on the February 11 NXT, notably not actually saying his name. The crowd knew however, and chanted it repeatedly. We're told this was the expected reaction, and that not mentioning him by name wasn't an accident. However, we've not been told why specifically that is.
Fightful had heard word of AEW releases Friday, but they didn't end up becoming official until this week. We're told that these had long been considered, with Ricky Starks among the names that were in the plans for the release.
As one would expect, the deal with Ricky Starks came together very quickly once he became available. As of December, we'd been told that nobody from WWE had communicated interest to Starks, but those we spoke to there knew he'd be signed if he became available.
As for why Starks showed up on NXT, Fightful inquired with NXT and main roster sources. Those we spoke to on the main roster said that they believe the majority of creative heading into WrestleMania is planned, and NXT would be much more fluid working him into the fold.
Word of Starks being on the show circulated around the WWE PC by about 30 minutes before the show.
Comments
Life is full of disappointment.
Josh Savory
2025-02-12 20:46:07 +0000 UTCI’m sure you saw by now that name was already taken
Wulf
2025-02-12 20:45:13 +0000 UTCyou
Lance T.
2025-02-12 17:39:41 +0000 UTCI mean since its his legal government name its up to the wrestler whether he wants to sign the rights of it over to them or not 🤷🏻♂️
Ryan Martins
2025-02-12 17:05:24 +0000 UTCI wonder if he'll still stumble in his promos now that they're scripted.
wowoweewow
2025-02-12 14:53:54 +0000 UTCNot optimistic about him on the main roster due to how crowded it is, but he should be excellent in nxt
Flameducky
2025-02-12 13:00:11 +0000 UTCOsiris Griffin, obviously
Josh Savory
2025-02-12 12:59:21 +0000 UTCProbably but considering not one time in the history of wrestling has any company successfully sued for contract tampering its irrelevant.
Troy A Palek
2025-02-12 12:44:55 +0000 UTCThoughts/news on if WWE will allow Ricky to do right by Defy Wrestling, as Starks just won their title from Kenta this past week?
Trevor Birch
2025-02-12 10:31:41 +0000 UTCIdk. Punk Pat and Cole were kinda trashing def rebel on raw commentary. Saying I can’t tell who that is by the music. Hopefully they’re on the way out.
David Olivo
2025-02-12 09:21:42 +0000 UTCAgreed but they may already have some ppl in mind for that as well.
Tyger Burch
2025-02-12 07:34:39 +0000 UTCWith TKO, I think he keeps Ricky Starks.
Keith Kripke
2025-02-12 06:09:11 +0000 UTCRicky is established enough that changing his name would be insulting to the audience.
Lynchman
2025-02-12 05:31:36 +0000 UTCCall cap no way you do a contract in a day.
Stalla
2025-02-12 05:09:17 +0000 UTCI hope Ricky gets to keep his name and swagger
Steve Gargus
2025-02-12 05:05:57 +0000 UTCI imagjne there's a prior use thing and he owns it, AEW certainly doesn't. WWE would just license it.
Insomnia Inc
2025-02-12 04:52:03 +0000 UTCthe theme he used in aew? nope since mikey ruckus made that theme and he’s their jim johnson
Tony Espitia
2025-02-12 04:39:35 +0000 UTCDoes he own the rights to his theme?
David
2025-02-12 04:12:44 +0000 UTCI do hope he gets to keep his name, or at least a variation of it, but obviously WWE wants to make money and it just is what it is. People heard Gunther when it was changed to WALTER and it's like a distant memory now. Same with Finn Balor. If it does change, at least keep it as cool as him, gone him a theme to fit, and he'll be fine
Matthew Brownlee
2025-02-12 04:03:20 +0000 UTCDoesn't Ricky have the trademark to his name so they're probably waiting on that if I had to guess
A-Town Love-Under
2025-02-12 04:02:55 +0000 UTCIts Haze Jameson! Lol... Just let him keep Ricky Starks please..
Rob Iapicca
2025-02-12 04:02:40 +0000 UTCPlease just keep his name.
Trevor D.
2025-02-12 04:02:30 +0000 UTCEvolve seems like it’s a feeder into NXT so I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes more of a third brand
Aaron Garcia
2025-02-12 03:59:59 +0000 UTCI can dream okay!! 😫😫😫
UntoldUnknown
2025-02-12 03:59:39 +0000 UTCHaze Jameson
Kevin Steets
2025-02-12 03:59:24 +0000 UTCMy dear, sweet, summer child...
Ricardo Name TBD
2025-02-12 03:59:12 +0000 UTCThis was great but I kind of wish they made this a Raw after Mania surprise.
Chris Podymaitis
2025-02-12 03:59:01 +0000 UTCPRO WRESTLING IS FUN AGAIN
Collin Ingram
2025-02-12 03:57:28 +0000 UTCGood for Ricky……..errrr whatever stupid name WWE comes up with for him.
Scott Newcomb
2025-02-12 03:57:22 +0000 UTCBest of luck to ricky!
Gammer S
2025-02-12 03:57:18 +0000 UTCNXT is becoming, if not already, a legitimate third brand with a good amount of talent.
Scott Payne
2025-02-12 03:57:17 +0000 UTCI doubt he keeps his theme since I think Mikey Ruckus made it but I hope they give him something just as good. please def rebel don't ruin us 🙏🙏
UntoldUnknown
2025-02-12 03:56:57 +0000 UTC
