A former AEW Women’s Champion has reacted to Ricky Starks’ surprise WWE NXT debut.
The wrestling world was shocked when Starks made his unexpected debut on the February 11 episode of NXT. Just 24 hours after his official AEW release, the former FTW Champion wasted no time in making his next move. During the NXT broadcast, Starks appeared in the crowd, declaring himself “the hottest free agent coming to the hottest brand,” signalling his arrival in WWE. His sudden debut has sparked major reactions across the wrestling industry.
One of the most notable responses came from former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa, who shared her thoughts on Busted Open Radio. Rosa admitted she was completely caught off guard by Starks’ surprise appearance:
“I was on the phone with someone and they were like, ‘Oh my god, Ricky is on TV on NXT,’ and I said, ‘Wait what?!’ I was completely surprised, completely surprised. It took me completely by surprise.”
Rosa praised Starks for his dedication, calling him one of the most driven and passionate wrestlers she has ever worked with.
“He’s one of the hungriest individuals I’ve ever met. Intellectually, physically, in his career, he’s extremely passionate about everything he does. His promos, the way that he carries himself, he takes that very to heart.”
She also reflected on his journey from NWA to AEW, emphasising how he built his career through hard work and charisma:
“From NWA and everything that happened in the pandemic when we were making absolutely zero money, he got a great opportunity coming to AEW… He worked extremely hard to get to the top at AEW.”
Starks’ next steps in WWE remain unclear, but his NXT debut has already made waves, setting the stage for a new chapter in his career.
Which Event Was Ricky Starks Pulled From Following His NXT Debut?
Ricky Starks was pulled from an upcoming independent booking for Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling after he made his NXT debut. The show for Turnbuckle is set to take place on February 15, which coincides with the Vengeance Day PLE, leading to speculation that Starks could make an appearance at Vengeance Day.
H/t to WrestleTalk.com