Huge update on Ricky Starks' status with AEW amid lengthy absence [Reports]

Ricky Starks continues to remain absent from AEW television. A worrying update has now seemingly emerged regarding the Louisiana native's status in the company.

Ricky Starks has emerged as a favorite among All Elite Wrestling viewers since his 2020 debut in the Tony Khan-led promotion. The Absolute has proven his mettle in star-making feuds with veterans like Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson, and CM Punk and peers like MJF and Powerhouse Hobbs.

However, Starks' booking since the end of last year has received a fair share of criticism. The former AEW World Tag Team Champion has not competed inside an All Elite ring since he and his partner Big Bill were knocked out of the 2024 World Tag Title Tournament by Top Flight in March.

Despite clarifying that he is ready to wrestle, Starks has not been featured on AEW TV for some time now. In the meantime, he has been promoting his upcoming match against old rival Kody Lane at Glory Pro Wrestling's WrestlePocalypse on November 24.

A report about Starks was shared by Bryan Alvarez recently amid the 34-year-old star's continued hiatus. The update claimed that while Starks was accepting independent bookings, his status in the Tony Khan-led company had not changed in an official capacity. Furthermore, the report asserted that little was going on by way of communications between Starks and All Elite Wrestling.

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AEW's Ricky Starks on returning to the independent scene at Glory Pro

Ricky Starks made a shocking appearance at a Glory Pro Wrestling event last month to challenge Kody Lane to a bout in November. During a recent interview with Weekend Joe, Stroke Daddy shed light on his in-ring comeback outside of AEW.

"I can't be stuck at home for too much longer. Obviously, I go stir crazy and I saw an opportunity with Cody Lane to come out and challenge for the title of course and I thought it was even a better idea because I used to actually live in St. Louis. I used to live in Melville of all places. So I thought it was a good way to make a return and also I've known Cody for quite a bit, he used to train here in Texas and I said, 'Well, why not just come back and test the grit against somebody that I'm very much familiar with.'" [From 01:27 to 02:07]

It remains to be seen if and when Starks will return to All Elite Wrestling programming.