"He is heading to WWE" - Fans unsure if major AEW star will return to Tony Khan's promotion amid lengthy absence

The fans are confused about whether an absent AEW star will return to Tony Khan's promotion. The talent in question here is Ricky Starks.

Starks has been absent from action for two and a half months now. It was rumored that he was being punished for attending a WWE event to show support for his friend Cody Rhodes, but that was not the case. The 34-year-old wrestler is waiting to be back in the ring and even Tony Khan has commented on wanting him back in action. However, nobody knows why he is not being used in the weekly programming.

Fans online have been talking about his strange and prolonged absence on social media. They are unsure about his future in the Jacksonville-based promotion.

A fan said, "I’m not seeing it. If he chooses WWE I’ll enjoy him there."

Another fan tweeted "Nope…next time we see Ricky is on WWE Programming."

Fans think that he is going to sign with WWE.

"I think it's going be a trade of sorts - Ricky Starks for Ricochet," wrote a user

Another fan said, "Nope, my theory is that his contract is up at the end of the month."

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AEW had major plans for Ricky Starks but they were scrapped

Two and a half weeks ago, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter released a report stating that AEW had some major plans for Ricky Starks. However, the plans were scrapped.

According to the report, Ricky's former tag team partner Big Bill was to turn on him. Then the fans would see the former FTW Champion turn babyface and begin his singles journey in the promotion.

The last time fans saw the Absolute One in action on TV was on the March 30 edition of AEW Collision. He and Big Bill lost to Top Flight in the World Tag Team Title tournament quarterfinals for the vacant Tag Team Championship.

Around two months before that, the duo lost their tag title to Sting and Darby Allin on a February 7 episode of AEW Dynamite.