Ricky Starks Makes Backstage Return At AEW Full Gear 2024 (AEW News)
Ricky Starks backstage in AEW again, showing up at Full Gear 2024 after GCW appearance.
Ricky Starks was backstage at AEW Full Gear 2024 this past weekend after months of speculation on his status in the company and wrestling future.
Fightful Select reports that not only was 'Absolute' backstage at the 23 November pay-per-view, but he was "getting along well with everyone" too.
Ricky is currently amidst a lengthy absence from AEW television. The former World Tag Team Champion has not wrestled for the promotion since he and Big Bill lost to Top Flight on 30 March. Numerous rumours surrounding Starks' contractual status, creative, and other topics have swirled since then, to the extent that it is almost impossible to figure out what's really going on.
In September, Starks publically denied rumours that he had declined creative pitches in AEW, posting to Twitter:
Enough is enough. Usually I don’t even speak on this but it’s tired
I never turned down anything, EVER. Just Stop. https://t.co/nzXd3F7LJT
Advertisement— Ricky Starks (@starkmanjones) September 1, 2024
One month later, in a virtual signing for Highspots, Starks said that he was grateful for those who'd checked in on him during his absence, stating, too, that he wasn't injured (h/t POST Wrestling):
"No (I’m not out of action due to injury). I’m healthy, I’m of sound mind and body. I’m capable to wrestle. Just, you know, not up to me. I get a lot of messages lately where people are like, ‘Hey, just checking in on you. Hope you’re doing well. Hope you’re mentally okay,’ and it’s so sweet. It means a lot to me because these people don’t know what’s going on, right?… But yeah, I get a lot of messages and every time I read ‘em, I tear up. Because people still — they care, you know? I love ‘em."
Ricky Starks Appears At GCW Event Ahead Of AEW Full Gear 2024
Ricky Starks appeared during market-leading indie promotion Game Changer Wrestling's Dream On event, coming down the escalators at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
'Absolute' cut a promo saying he refused to "sit at home and get frozen out," presumably by AEW:
“I will be damned if I sit at home and get frozen out, I'll be damned if I sit at home and let my career dwindle.
I am 34 years old, I am healthy, I am god damn good looking, and most importantly I am a generational superstar!"
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) November 23, 2024
- Ricky Starks#GCWDream
pic.twitter.com/8CZiyAKcTb
Later, it was confirmed that Starks would face Matt Cardona on GCW's 14 December event, Highest in the Room 3.
Starks has also been announced for a House of Glory show in Chicago, IL on 17 January.
As noted by the Fightful Select update on Starks' backstage Full Gear appearance, these independent appearances would need to be approved by AEW before going ahead. In this regard, Starks and the company are working together.
There is currently no indication of when, if ever, Ricky will return to the Tony Khan-helmed promotion. He remains contracted to AEW for the time being.