10 Wrestlers AEW Must Push In 2022
2. Ricky Starks
When Ricky Starks retires some day, he will make a glorious colour commentator considering his work on Rampage. At just 31, it's safe to say that day is still a long way away and the sky is the limit for this colourful Team Taz member.
Following an impressive showing against Cody Rhodes (back in those good old days when he was still cheered by fans) in June 2020, Starks joined AEW proper and hasn't looked back. The former NWA World Television Champion balances slick mat work and selling with a cool and confident heel demeanour. It's a winning formula that saw him quickly connect with the AEW faithful.
Well-received feuds with Brian Cage as well as Sting and Darby Allin have showcased Starks' versatility as a performer. From cinematic bouts to Philadelphia street fights, Starks can put it together bell to bell no matter the stipulation at hand.
The one issue with Starks right now is that he's homaging The Rock just a little too much from time to time. To fully reach his potential in AEW this year, the FTW Champion needs to finish finding his own identity. Once he has done so, he may well be ready for the main event.