"Can TK just release this dude?" "Might turn up at WWE" - Fans erupt after Ricky Starks is spotted with top star amid AEW absence

Ricky Starks was spotted training with a popular WWE Superstar amidst his hiatus from AEW. Fans have reacted to this and believe this was proof that he would jump ship in the future. The star was Jade Cargill.

The Absolute One has not been seen on the promotion for around four months. He was last seen competing alongside Big Bill during the tournament to crown the new AEW World Tag Team Champions following Sting’s retirement. He had a minor injury scare during the match, which altered the ending, but he has not made an appearance since then.

On her latest Instagram Story, Jade Cargill posted a picture of Ricky Starks joining her for a training session at The Nightmare Factory. This was not a rare occurrence as the two have trained together in the past.

Fans believed that this was proof that he was showing up in WWE. Several of his close friends were on the Stamford-based promotion, which could be added motivation for him to move companies. Several fans believe that he'll make his debut in NXT.

"He’s so showing up at a Takeover lmao oh well," a fan claimed.

"He'll be debuting in NXT eventually," another mentioned.

Others felt that Starks was waiting for his AEW contract to end. One even wanted Tony Khan to release him as he hasn't been seen on TV for a while now.

"No big deal. They've done it before, they're friends and Ricky's going to WWE ASAP," one said.

"He is counting down the days til his AEW contract is up," another mentioned.

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Ricky Starks reportedly has backstage heat in AEW

No specific reason has been disclosed for why Ricky Starks is still not on TV despite fans clamoring for his return.

Previously, it was mentioned that Starks was unhappy with his creative booking, but it was not disclosed whether his unhappiness was why they did not give him a major storyline.

During Fightful Select's recent edition of the Backstage Report podcast, Sean Ross Sapp revealed that there was some backstage heat on Ricky Starks from some people of authority within the company.

The reason for this has not been disclosed, and it remains to be seen whether this is the reason for his absence. With All In coming up in a few weeks and Starks missing last year's show, he'll have to return soon if he wishes to be featured during this year's show.