New WWE recruit pulled out of indie appearance.
Last night on the 11th February episode of NXT, former AEW wrestler Ricky Starks made his much-awaited NXT debut. Starks shocked the world by appearing on NXT television within just 24 hours of his AEW departure.
In a short yet entertaining promo from the crowd, Starks announced his arrival and declared himself as the future of professional wrestling. Although, it is to be noted that, during the entire segment, neither Starks nor the announcer’s team mentioned the name ‘Ricky Starks‘. Furthermore, it is widely speculated that the former FTW Champion may experience a name change upon the commencement of his regular appearances on the program.
However, within just a few hours of his NXT debut, Starks has now been ruled out of a previously announced Indie wrestling show. In an X(Twitter) post by Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, it was announced that Starks will no longer appear on their Saturday, February 15 event.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, Ricky Starks will not be in attendance on Saturday, February 15th at the Tannery Row Ale House. However, you can still expect the same incredible evening of Georgia’s premier star studded, action packed, family friendly, independent professional wrestling that TCW Live has to offer! We will see you at the matches!”
Falling on the same day as the Vengeance Day PLE, Starks’ absence on Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling is no longer a surprise given his association with WWE.
The Undertaker Opens Up On Ricky Starks’ Surprising WWE Debut
During his recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, The Undertaker opened up on Ricky Starks’ surprising NXT debut. Commenting on their past relationship, which ranges back to WrestleMania 32 during The Undertaker’s match against Shane McMahon, The Deadman called him out as respectful.
“So I’m training at this gym. I notice this kid is there every day. Doesn’t say anything, really respectful. As the training went along and we needed different spotters and different help, he was always right there. Finally we struck up a conversation, and he told me that he was trying to break into the business. I kinda talked to him about different things.”
In other news: More details now out on WWE 2K25’s ‘The Island’ mode.
Recently a former AEW champion has reacted to Ricky Starks’ NXT debut.