Ricky Starks’ AEW absence shrouded in mystery as conflicting reports emerge about contract status

Ricky Starks, a former AEW World Tag Team Champion, has been absent from AEW programming since March and hasn’t wrestled since May. The situation surrounding his absence has been difficult to report on accurately, with conflicting information circulating.

According to Ibou from WrestlePurists, the only reliable information about Starks’ status comes from the wrestler himself and his management team. While there have been rumors about issues with his tag team partner Big Bill or a possible injury, Ibou states that Starks is actually healthy but frustrated with AEW’s lack of long-term plans for him.

There’s speculation that Starks may be waiting out his contract, but there’s disagreement about when it expires. Some sources claim it ended in July, others say it ends at the end of the year, and some suggest he has a full year left.

The current situation appears to be that Starks is at home, healthy, but without any concrete plans in AEW. Similarly, AEW doesn’t seem to have any long-term plans for him at this time. When asked about Starks, AEW President Tony Khan gave a positive but vague response regarding the wrestler’s place in the company.

Check out these posts:

• JBL Makes Surprise Return to Wrestling, Jim Ross Hopes for AEW Appearance
• Britt Baker set for AEW return on October 2 after two-month absence
• AEW’s new media deal with Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly worth $170 million annually, falls short of expectations
• Will Ospreay to Defend AEW International Title Against Ricochet on Dynamite’s 5th Anniversary