After becoming the first-ever TNT Champion in May 2020, Cody Rhodes defended the title in a number of open challenges.
In one of these matches, Rhodes was challenged by a debuting Ricky Starks. Although the debutant pushed the champion all the way in the near-ten minute bout, it was Rhodes who grabbed the win. After the match, Tony Khan announced that Starks had signed a contract with the company.
Since then he has become an incredibly popular member of the roster and challenged for the AEW World Championship.
Reflecting on his debut after seeing the footage, Starks said that he wouldn’t change a thing about the match, tipping his hat to “CR” in the process.
“Wow. The mixed emotions I’ve been going through lately& then to remember where I was 3 years ago is a good perspective. I wouldn’t change anything about that night. I see everyone’s support everyday and I can’t thank you enough for it. Definitely can’t thank CR enough either.”
Wow. The mixed emotions I’ve been going through lately& then to remember where I was 3 years ago is a good perspective. I wouldn’t change anything about that night.
I see everyone’s support everyday and I can’t thank you enough for it. Definitely can’t thank CR enough either https://t.co/nVzaMWYp9b
— Ricky Starks (@starkmanjones) June 17, 2023
Ricky Starks Visited Cody Rhodes At The Royal Rumble
Ricky Starks caused a stir back in January when he was pictured backstage at the Royal Rumble visiting Cody Rhodes. At the event, Rhodes won the men’s Royal Rumble match and went on to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.
Speaking in the months after the event, Rhodes said that he took responsibility for Starks being spotted, but added that he felt it was important to have him there. Rhodes proved he had a sense of humour about the situation, joking that there’s “no more friends at work.”