Ricky Starks' next match announced, but not in AEW

Ricky Starks has been absent from AEW TV for several months. However, he is set to compete outside the promotion.

Ricky Starks' booking in AEW has been one of the biggest mysteries of 2024. He was once pushed heavily as a promising star. He also had the promo and in-ring skills to become the next big star in All Elite Wrestling. However, his push came to a screeching halt this year. He went from being one-half of the AEW World Tag Team Champions to not being on TV for several months.

His last match for AEW took place in March of this year. Starks has made it clear that he doesn't want to sit at him and collect a paycheck every month. Hence, he started competing in Indie shows. He competed at BTW Welcome to Paradise and Glory Pro WrestlePocalypse. He was also supposed to compete at a GCW event but was pulled by AEW.

Now, DEFY has announced that Starks will challenge Kenta for the World Championship at their DEFY: Hundredth event on February 7, 2025:

"⚠️ ON SALE ALERT ⚠️DEFY : HUNDREDTH Come celebrate our 8th anniversary on February 7th at Washington Hall ! Kenta defends the DEFY World Championship against Ricky Starks ! Patreon pre sale today at 1pm General on sale tomorrow at 10am Tickets at http://DEFYWRESTLING.COM"

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Tony Khan seemingly teased Ricky Starks' return for AEW Dynamite Fight for the Fallen

Ricky Starks' absence from AEW TV has raised a lot of eyebrows. Initially, there was speculation that the Absolute One was injured or that he was headed to WWE due to his friendship with Cody Rhodes. However, the former FTW Champion denied both those rumors leaving fans puzzled regarding his sudden disappearance.

During the recent media call for AEW Worlds End 2024, Tony Khan was asked if Starks would return during the Fight for the Fallen simulcast. The AEW boss didn't confirm or deny the possibility of Starks' return but asked fans to tune in to see who will be on the match card:

"I think we'll have to stay tuned to see who's going to be a part of the Fight for the Fallen simulcast. It remains to be seen. We've got a great roster here, and we've got one of our best pay-per-view lineups for Worlds End this year. I think it's a tremendous card. Then, as for who's going to be at the 'Mother of All Simulcasts,' that remains to be seen. But thanks for asking," Khan said.

It will be interesting to see when Ricky Starks will finally make his return to AEW TV.