Ricky Starks has once again made a surprise appearance at a non-AEW event.
Not making his return at Worlds End, Starks has now been away from an AEW ring for 9 months. Despite the lengthy absence, the former Tag Team Champion has gone on record stating that he is cleared to compete and does not know why he has been away from TV for so long.
During his hiatus, Starks has made multiple independent appearances and has competed in 2 matches for promotions BTW and GloryPro. Starks also appeared at a GCW show and was set to wrestle at future events but his appearances were cancelled, reportedly due to comments GCW wrestler Effy made about All Elite Wrestling and Tony Khan.
Starks made his latest appearance on Sunday, December 30th at Defy’s Blueprint show. After KENTA successfully defended the Defy Championship against Schaff, Starks made his way into the ring and confronted the reigning champion. Defy has not announced if KENTA vs. Starks will be happening at a future show at the time of writing. Starks has also been announced for a match against Mike Santana on January 17th for House of Glory.
RICKY STARKS has arrived in DEFY ! #DEFYBLUEPRINTpic.twitter.com/ttswhhkGC3
— DEFY Wrestling (@defyNW) December 30, 2024
Tony Khan Comments On Ricky Starks Absence
It still remains unknown when or if Starks will return to TV as he closes in on one year away from programming. Ahead of Worlds End, Tony Khan was asked about Ricky Starks and if fans could expect to see the former Tag Team Champion return to AEW soon.
In other news, Tony Khan hit out at the critics of All Elite Wrestling.