9 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Sep 2)

6. Ricky Starks vs. Tony Donati

Ricky Starks
AEW

Watching Ricky Starks is a pleasure at the moment. Even when he's squashing guys like Tony Donati, the viewer comes away knowing 'Absolute' is a future star in this promotion, such is his aptitude for the little things in professional wrestling.

A match that started off with Starks and Taz flaunting their new Team Taz t-shirts saw Starks almost pay for his overconfidence early on. Donati slipped into the windows opened by his opponent before Ricky started playing with him, shouting "it's Starks season for a reason!" into a nearby microphone. Again, his preening almost got the better of him, costing a nearfall before the former NWA Television Champion decided enough was enough, nailed the Roshambo, and got the W.

AEW is likely building Ricky for a match with Darby Allin at the moment, so expect something from those two when they share the ring for All Out's Casino Battle Royale.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.