Ricky Starks Opens Up About ‘Mindf***’ Of AEW Absence

Former AEW World Tag Team Champion Ricky Starks Breaks Silence on His 2024 Absence

Ricky Starks, a former AEW World Tag Team Champion, has been a notable name in 2024 for his unexpected absence from AEW programming. Starks last competed in AEW back in March, and since then, speculation about his status and future has been rampant. Speaking recently on Insight, Starks opened up about his extended time away from the promotion, sharing the toll it has taken on him.

“I’ve just been home. It’s a mindf*** because I’m in my prime, and it sucks to have so much momentum, riding the wave, doing the work, and then suddenly just be at home,” Starks explained. “I’m not meant to be a homebody right now. I’m not meant to be chilling at home, away from the thing I’ve busted my ass to do for the past 13 years.”

Ricky Starks Keeps Busy on the Independent Scene

While absent from AEW for much of 2024, Starks has been active on the independent wrestling circuit. His most recent appearance was at GCW’s Dream On event, leading to a scheduled match against Matt Cardona at Highest in the Room 3 on December 14. Starks has also wrestled for promotions like Glory Pro Wrestling and Big Time Wrestling, dispelling rumors that he might be sidelined due to medical issues.

Why Has Ricky Starks Been Missing from AEW?

The question of why Starks has been away from AEW remains unanswered, even by Starks himself.

“Beats me,” he admitted. “I could have 1,000 theories about what’s really going on, but the fact is, if I don’t have a definitive answer, I can’t just make one up. Would I love to know the exact reason? For sure. Do I have speculations? Absolutely. But speculating does nothing for the situation. It sucks, honestly. It’s been a very cold day here in Austin—a cold nine months, really. But thankfully, I have a sweater, and I’m always ready to keep the warmth going.”

Contractual Status and Future in AEW

Despite his prolonged absence, Starks was reportedly backstage at AEW’s Full Gear pay-per-view on November 23, where his presence was warmly received by AEW staff.

Regarding his AEW contract, Fightful Select reports that his deal, originally set to expire in spring 2024, was extended by an additional year after AEW exercised an option to retain him. This means Starks is contracted with AEW until spring 2025. However, since the contract extension, Starks has not made an appearance on AEW television.

What’s Next for Ricky Starks?

While his status with AEW remains unclear, Starks continues to stay active and make waves outside the company. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his independent matches and hope for a return to AEW television soon.

For more updates on Ricky Starks and AEW, stay tuned.

Please credit “Insight” when quoting Starks’ statements, and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.