Business has certainly picked up in the wrestling world over the last few weeks. Recently it was reported that AEW parted ways with Aleister Black, Miro and former AEW World Tag Team Champion Ricky Starks.
During this week’s episode of NXT, Ricky Starks made his big debut when he appeared in the crowd before the main event. Starks got a big reaction from the fans who chanted his name.
Starks cut a brief promo and said, “It’s obvious you know who I am. If NXT is the future of professional wrestling, well guess what, you need an absolute superstar of the future. If this is the hottest brand well you need the hottest free agent right now baby. Do not let the handsome face and expensive fragrance fool you, I am here to turn this place upside down. Everybody’s been begging the question, when the revolution will be televised again, and well, I’m right here, aren’t I?”
The future is brighter than ever! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/4IRwnODDdO
— WWE (@WWE) February 12, 2025
Ricky Starks name wasn’t mentioned during the segment and Fightful Select reports that wasn’t an accident. However, the specific reason why the name wasn’t mentioned is unknown.
It’s being said that the deal with Ricky Starks came together very quickly as soon as he was available. The belief is that Ricky ended up on the NXT brand because WWE has already planned out the majority of creative heading into WrestleMania, and it’s easier to work him into the fold in NXT. Word of Ricky Starks appearing on NXT started making the rounds at the Performance Center about 30 minutes before the show went live.