10 AEW Title Changes That MUST Happen In 2023
1. Men’s World Championship - Ricky Starks
The smart money is on MJF holding the Burberry belt all the way up to the bidding war of ‘24. As has been made clear, though, a year is a long time in wrestling, and it would behove Tony Khan to have the next champ waiting in the wings, just in case. Step forward Absolute Ricky Starks.
Anyone watching Dynamite of late will have noticed two things: the company is making a concerted effort to push Ricky Starks as a big deal, and it’s working. The young star has a great look and the kind of loose, easygoing babyface charisma that can’t be taught. He captivated with his rags-to-riches story, conveying a tale of hope, not pity, and more than held his own exchanging promos with MJF.
He has an old school star quality, and like all the best wrestlers feels like he’s selling himself, not a gimmick. Perhaps most importantly, he’s constantly improving at an impressive pace.
He’s probably one or two statement classic matches away from true main event status, but he’ll get there. When MJF falls, by all rights it should be a huge deal, and Stark could be the beneficiary.